Blackwood Basin Group

The Australian Government’s Community Water Grants program
This programme offers grants to help local community organisation save, recycle or improve the health of their local water resources. Grants are available for projects related to:
- water saving and efficiency
- water recycling
- water treatment
- improving surface and groundwater health

Community Water Grants is one of the three national programmes in the $2 billion Australian government Water Fund, and will provide a total of $200 million over five years to help communities play a positive role in managing Australia’s water resources. The grants encourage better water use and will improve water health through practical on-the-ground projects.
For further information, please go to their website:
http://www.communitywatergrants.gov.au/index.html

Groundworks Round 2

There is $970 000 available for private landholders, groups and local governments to improve waterways, wetlands, soils and remnant bush on private land and public reserves. Examples of eligible activities include fencing for stock proofing, salinity containment, dieback treatment, perennial pastures, creation of tree alleys, weed and pest control, alternative fertiliser application, and in-stream works.

Land managers submit tenders and compete to deliver the best environmental outcome. Tenders need to be based on a combination of environmental, social and economic benefits, with landholders working together, value for money, and protection or improvement of priority assets, to be considered.

To attend an information session on the tender process, please contact Kim Wilson (0419 196 541) or Glen Byleveld (o419 912 845) for the Geographe and Leschenault Catchments, or on the plain in the Peel-Harvey Catchment area. Nerilee Boshammer on 9765 1555 or nerilee@westnet.com.au in the Lower South West-Warren or the Wheatbelt-Woolbelt area. Tenders close on 27th July 2007.

The Groundworks South West Land Management Tender is delivered by the BBG and the Peel-Harvey Catchment Council with funding from the Natural Heritage Trust and the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality. These are joint initiatives of the West Australian and Australian Governments, which are managed by the South West Catchments Council.

NRM Education Small Grants Scheme

Small grants of up to $10 000 are now available to NRM providers in the South West region. These grants are designed to support existing NRM education programmes, by adding value to current activities or allowing new programme components to be developed.

This funding is part of the Commonwealth and State Government's regional component of NHT2, administered by the South West Catchments Council (SWCC). There is total of $230 000 available through this small grants scheme until mid 2008.

For more information, please contact Rachael Reed on 08 9780 6268 or email rreed@agric.wa.gov.au.