Financial Incentives Programs
The Government has established several financial incentives programs to assist business and industry to reduce its water consumption. Funding opportunities are available through the following programs:
- Regional Development Victoria’s $10 million Drought Assistance Program: Water for Industry Initiative. This initiative works in partnership with industry and water authorities to reduce water consumption and increase reuse opportunities.
- The Stormwater and Urban Recycling Fund for innovative water saving projects. This $10 million program supports the development of local stormwater and urban recycling projects by providing funding for demonstration projects, technical assistance and support through workshops.
- The Smart Water Fund was established by the Victorian Government, together with City West Water, South East Water, Yarra Valley Water and Melbourne Water in 2002. The Fund has invested $28 million in about 170 innovative water conservation, water recycling and biosolids management projects in the first six rounds since it was established. Round 7 closed on 20 November 2009.