This programme, originally administered by the National Water Commission, was transferred to the Australian Government Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts in December 2007. The Department is now the appropriate contact for all related enquiries.
About Water Smart Australia
Australia's water is a highly variable resource. Managing it sustainably and productively is one of the great challenges facing us as we move into the future.
There are many opportunities to make better use of supplies of water that we have already developed, to employ new technology and infrastructure, improve and refine management practices and to draw on better information.
The Australian Government's Water Smart Australia Programme aims to accelerate the development and uptake of smart technologies and practices in water use across Australia.
The $1.6 billion Programme has funding over five years until 2010. It is targeted at large-scale projects. As a general guide, the minimum level of funding available through the programme for a project is $1 million, and the maximum funding duration is four years. Nonetheless, highly relevant projects that seek less than this level of funding may be considered for assistance.
Water Smart Australia may not be the best programme for all water project proposals. Applicants seeking smaller amounts, in particular community groups, are recommended to investigate other Australian Government programmes, for example, the Raising National Water Standards Programme and the Community Water Grants Programme.
Details of all announced projects are available from this website sorted by state, announcement date and National Water Initiative objective.