South East Queensland community and not-for-profit organisations are encouraged to apply for a share in $60,000, as part of Seqwater’s community grants program.

Applications are now open and grants of up to $10,000 are available for projects that build waterwise communities.

Seqwater Chief Executive Officer, Neil Brennan, said the grants were part of Seqwater’s Water Future Program, which aims to build communities that understand the value of water and how water works.

“The funding enables local organisations to work in partnership with Seqwater to deliver significant projects that connect people to water, encourage water efficient behaviours or promote water as a precious resource,” Mr Brennan said.

“For Seqwater, creating partnerships with local community organisations is essential to our ability to provide safe, secure and reliable water supply to the region. The more SEQ communities understand about the water cycle, the more we can all work together to protect and plan our water future.”

Mr Brennan said applications were open until 25 March 2021, with projects to be delivered between 1 June 2021 and 1 June 2022.

“This year, in particular we’re looking to partner with community organisations to create waterwise programs that focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, youth, young adults, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and rural Communities,” Mr Brennan said.

“This is a great opportunity for our people to be involved at a local level with community groups and projects that ultimately benefit our waterways and future water supply.”

Applications must outline support of one or more of the following criteria within the theme of building waterwise communities:  

• Understand the urban water cycle
• Understand water treatment and what makes it safe to drink
• Understand where drinking water comes from (including climate resilient water sources like desalination and purified recycled water)
• Use water efficiently
• Shows care for water sources and the catchments that surround them, and
• Participates in decision making and takes action to manage water sustainably

Eligibility criteria and a grant application form are available through www.seqwater.com.au or by emailing [email protected] or phoning 1800 771 497.