Applications are open for the latest round of the Community Wastewater Innovation Fund, helping support strategic capacity and innovation in community wastewater management.
The Community Wastewater Innovation Fund, managed by the Local Government Association of South Australia (LGASA), provides $230,000 in state government funding to eligible organisations to advance their CWMS (Community Wastewater Management System) initiatives.
In 2024, 11 applications were submitted through the inaugural round, seeking around $535,000 in funding – highlighting how in-demand these grants are across the state.
LGASA President, Mayor Heather Holmes-Ross, said that CWMS plays a critical function within regional communities, and it was important for innovation in this space to be supported and funded.
“Community Wastewater Management Systems are critical infrastructure for growing populations and improve the liveability of our regions – it’s not until you’re without one that you realise how essential they really are,” Dr Holmes-Ross said.
“Not only do they remove potential health and environmental risks caused by ageing septic tanks, but they also encourage and facilitate the construction of new housing in regional South Australia, which is essential to increase housing stock and affordability.
“We’re pleased to again collaborate with the state government to fund forward-thinking community wastewater initiatives which support regional communities now and into the future.
“I encourage all eligible organisations to get their applications in as soon as possible.”
South Australian Minister for Local Government, Joe Szakacs, said that the government was proud of the ongoing partnership with LGASA to fund innovative CWMS projects across the state.
“It was extremely encouraging to see such significant interest in Community Wastewater Innovative Funding last year for the first-ever round of the program, which highlighted how sought after these grants are,” Minister Szakacs said.
“A working CWMS is vital to regional liveability and encouraging the expansion of regional housing by ensuring existing neighbourhoods and new developments are connected and not having to rely on septic tanks.
“We’re pleased to partner once again with LGA South Australia for this program to fund and support transformative community wastewater projects that aim to make a real difference in our regional communities.”
All South Australian councils, regional local government associations, education institutions and universities, local government professional bodies, and organisations interested in collaborating with local government can apply for funding.
To be eligible for funding, nominated projects must deliver clear outcomes and address CWMS needs of local councils.
Networking and collaboration, staff development, financial sustainability, trade waste, benchmarking and technology advancements are just some of the potential project areas.
The 2024-25 funding round for the Community Wastewater Innovation Fund opened 10 February and closes 11 March 2025.
Applications may only be lodged online via the LGA website: www.lga.sa.gov.au/wastewater-innovation-grants
