Gippsland Water is encouraging local community organisations to apply for a Federal Government Community Water Grant.
The program offers grants to help local community organisations save, recycle or improve the health of their local water resources. Grants are available for projects relating to water efficiency, water recycling, and water treatment such as improving surface and groundwater health.
Chief Executive Officer John Mitchell said a number of local organisations in the Gippsland Water service area have already successfully received a grant, including the Traralgon Bowls Club, and more recently, the Sale Elderly Citizens Village (SECV).
"Gippsland Water assisted SECV in the application process in round two of the Federal Government's Community Water Grant program, in which they have successfully received $39,270," Mr Mitchell said.
"The grant will help install dual flush toilets and waterless urinals throughout the village, which is anticipated to save them an extra 744,000 litres of water a year."
The 58-bed hostel commenced in 1972 and is an incorporated association, which includes Ashleigh House, Eastwood Park, and Northwood Park. It is run by a Committee of Management and accommodates approximately 160 residents, including 88 independent living units.
Mr Mitchell added that Gippsland Water has recently carried out audit and installation works at Ashleigh House, Eastwood Park and Northwood Park as part of the savewater! efficiency service (SWES) program, and it has so far identified a combined water saving of more than three million litres for all three sites.
"Gippsland Water will now conduct water conservation and water efficiency training sessions for all staff at the facility," Mr Mitchell said.
"We encourage all businesses, schools, and other community organisations to apply for the Federal Government's Community Water Grant."
Registrations for the third and final round of the Federal Government's Community Water Grant program close on 22 June 2007, and applications close on 4 July 2007.
For more information on the Community Water Grants program, please visit www.communitywatergrants.gov.au or contact Gippsland Water on 1800 066 401.
19 June 2007