Melbourne Water Living Rivers Fund - Round 2 Update

Melbourne Water

Round 2 of the Living Rivers Fund received 68 grant applications from 28 councils, totalling a request for over $5 million in funding over the next two years. It is clear from the $5 million of council co-contributions, the high calibre of project submissions and the large number of applications received that there is a very strong commitment from council to deliver better stormwater management with a focus on waterway health and community outcomes.

The Living Rivers team have approved 45 projects and are working on finalising the individual funding agreements. Project submissions vary from catchment-based WSUD capital works prioritisation, active community projects, protection and restoration of more natural flows to peri-urban waterways, and stormwater treatments and harvesting. The projects range from on-lot to large scale and address issues in industrial, residential, recreational and commercial areas. Many of these projects will drive capacity improvement across the region.

Clearwater will be working closely with the Living Rivers team to assist with the delivery of capacity building and training initiatives. A full listing of successful projects will be available on the Melbourne Water website in the coming weeks.

The next round of funding will open mid-2015, and councils are encouraged to discuss potential projects with the Living Rivers team. For more information contact: livingrivers@melbournewater.com.au