Schools, sporting groups and community halls have all been awarded funding through MidCoast Council’s inaugural Water Wiser Grants program, allowing them to deliver a range of great projects and initiatives that will improve water conservation and sustainability outcomes across the region.
Council’s Executive Manager of Water and Systems, Marnie Coates, said the program had attracted a competitive field of applicants in its first year and it was exciting to see local organisations coming up with more sustainable ways of doing things.
“When we launched the Water Wiser Grants program we weren’t really sure who would apply or what kind of projects would be proposed, but we’ve been really impressed with the range of initiatives we’ve been able to fund,” said Ms Coates.
“From educational gardening programs in schools to water efficiency improvements at sporting grounds and surf clubs, these projects are going to deliver tangible sustainability benefits to the community and that’s the outcome we were after.”
The Water Wiser Grants program offered eligible organisations across the MidCoast up to $10,000 in co-funding to undertake projects and activities that would increase water conservation or sustainability through education, efficiency improvements or awareness-raising initiatives.
Eight organisations were successful in obtaining funding, including:
• Bungwahl Community Hall
• Tinonee Public School Parents & Citizens Association
• Old Bar Public School
• Wallamba Football Club
• Taree Public School
• Taree and District Preschool
• Forster Surf Life Saving Club
• Mid North Coast Community College – Nautilus Senior College – Yulinbal Campus
Co-Principal of Yulinbal Campus, Scott Lathlean, said the small, non-profit school was proud to receive a Water Wiser Grant to help fund its Indigenous Garden project.
“Being awarded a Water Wiser Grant means we can push forward with our plans to create both a sustainable Indigenous garden and our Indigenous talk and pause garden space,” said Mr Lathlean.
“We are lucky to be able to call upon local elder Uncle Mick Saunders for guidance and hope to commence construction in the coming months.”
Ms Coates said the program was planned again for next year and she was looking forward to funding more worthwhile projects in the area.
The Water Wiser Grants program is one of several initiatives Council has developed to improve water efficiency and resilience across the MidCoast, which was one of the key commitments Council made in its most recent long-term water strategy, Our Water Our Future 2050.
