Communities across South East Queensland demonstrating clever ways to be waterwise will share in $60,000 to deliver significant projects that help protect the precious resource.
Seqwater has awarded funding to several community and not-for-profit organisations across the region as part of its community grants program.
Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher, said community groups delivering programs across the greater Brisbane area, Sunshine Coast, Ipswich, Scenic Rim, Noosa and Redlands had each been awarded grants up to $10,000.
"This year marks five years since the Seqwater community grants program began and the program has delivered fantastic community benefits in that time," Mr Butcher said.
"The funding will assist organisations to deliver projects that build an understanding of the water cycle, protect waterways and encourage water efficient behaviours.
"The application process for this round particularly focussed on waterwise programs that engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, youth, young adults, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and rural communities."
One organisation to receive grant funding is the International River Foundation, a global community of River Leaders who champion the health and resilience of rivers.
International River Foundation Programs and Partnerships Manager, Jacqui Atique, said the money received would inspire students from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, rural communities and young adults to learn more about rivers and the surrounding landscapes.
"Our Water Steward Scholarships will enhance student knowledge on river restoration and water resource management, empowering them to become champions within their communities," Ms Atique said. Seqwater Chief Executive Officer, Neil Brennan, said the Seqwater community grants program provides opportunities for communities to become active partners and take action to manage water sustainability.
"We are delighted to award the successful applications for 2021, which include school-based programs, landcare initiatives and plans for new infrastructure to improve water saving in some of our regional communities," Mr Brennan said.
"We are particularly excited for the next 12 months and look forward to partnering with new organisations to promote water as a precious resource and build waterwise communities."
2021 Seqwater community grants program recipients:
Organisation |
Project |
Centre for Aquatic Research |
Water Whiz, Water Wise Initiative – a program to educate school aged children on where their water comes from and how to be water wise. |
Living Classroom |
The Cooran State School Watershed – helping students establish an understanding and connection with the catchment and waterway processes through a water sensitive urban garden. |
International River Foundation |
Seqwater Water Steward Scholarships – 20 Scholarships provided to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, young adults, and or rural communities to the River Academy Courses. |
Mooloolah River Landcare |
Wicked Weeds Initiative – creating a Weeds Warrior program for young adults to stop the spread of weeds in the riparian zone of the Mooloolah River. |
Running Wild |
Lamb Island Living Water Project – enhancing the sustainability of the Lamb Island Community Gardens (LICG) through the installation of infrastructure to support the increase capture of rainwater, on-site water storage, and improved water management. |
EcoCollaboration |
Water wise workshops for geography and science students (13 – 18 years old) – A mix of classroom activities and tours that will teach students about the urban water cycle, water efficient behaviours, catchment care and water future planning. |
Everick Foundation in partnership with Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) and the University of Queensland (UQ) |
Herring Lagoon Archaeological Excavation and Education Program – an archaeological investigation of Herring Lagoon, a culturally significant water source and area to the Quandamooka People.
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