The Federal Government has outlined $42.5 million in funding to deliver nine innovative stormwater harvesting and re-use projects in a bid to secure water supplies in urban areas around the country.

 

Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and Water, Senator Don Farrell, announced the successful applicants for the third round of funding under the Stormwater Harvesting and Reuse Projects.

 

"These projects will provide more than 5.5 billion litres of treated stormwater a year and improve water security by diversifying water supplies available in urban areas," Senator Farrell said.

 

"Several of the projects announced today will provide treated stormwater for irrigation of community sportsgrounds, parks, gardens and golf courses, and some will use treated stormwater for industrial purposes.

 

South Australian Minister for Water and the River Murray Paul Caica said he was pleased the projects would contribute to the statewide target of harvesting up to 75 gigalitres of stormwater a year by 2050.

 

"South Australia received around $67.5m in Federal funding under the first two rounds, supported by approximately $53 million from the State Government. I look forward to seeing these three new projects develop," Mr Caica said.

 

The third round of funding for stormwater harvesting and reuse projects forms part of the Australian Government's National Urban Water and Desalination Plan, which is a key component of the Australian Government's Water for the Future initiative and supports urban areas to secure water supplies and reduce reliance on traditional water sources.