SA Water has announced the winners of funding for reservoir partnership schemes. 

A new nature-based education program for homeschool families, a habitat improvement project for local fish and birdlife, and kayak training and tours for youth volunteers have secured backing through SA Water’s Reservoirs Partnership Program.

The program provides funding to help community groups host events or projects at South Australia’s reservoir reserves open for recreational access.

Among the successful recipients are Operation Flinders Foundation through their kayak training and tours program at Myponga and South Para reservoirs, and OzFish Unlimited, who are planning a habitat improvement project to enhance biodiversity and water quality at Bundaleer and Warren reservoirs.

SA Water’s General Manager of Strategy, Engagement and Innovation Sandra Ricci says the groups will deliver a range of fresh initiatives that enhance visitor experience and provide everyone with a chance to enjoy them.

“We’re partnering with three inspiring community groups, who are championing environmental conservation, encouraging recreation, and helping educate communities on the importance of our natural environment and water sources,” she said.

“Excitingly, announcing our new partners comes at a time when a recipient of funding from the program’s last round is planning their event, with Outdoors SA’s action-packed ‘Race At The Ressie’ taking place over coming months in the heart of our South Para and Warren reservoir reserves.”

The Home Education Network’s Assistant Co-ordinator Connie Woolston said the funding will enable the group to connect children educated at home with nature and inspire outdoor learning.

“We’re delighted to be able to get our initiative off the ground through SA Water’s program and deliver our ‘Everywhere’s a Classroom’ event to home school families, which will help them move beyond the four walls  and embrace the outdoors by creating nature-based education opportunities,” Ms Wollston said.

“The event will include a full day’s worth of learning activities at Myponga Reservoir Reserve, harnessing the recreational potential of the beautiful green open space.

“Our families will have the chance to explore the site’s natural environment while participating in art projects, bike riding, bird watching and kayaking, and we can’t wait to see the children enjoying all the activities.”

More details on the funding scheme are accessible here.