UNITED NATIONS - / MaximsNews Network / 19 May 2008 -- In a recent statement that accompanied the Federal Budget review, the Australian Minister for Climate Change and Water (Hon. Penny Wong) noted that the effects of climate change will translate into less water for most Australian cities and towns.  

The country can no longer rely on rainfall to supply the population’s drinking water supply needs.

Via the federal budget, it is anticipated that roughly $12.9 billion will be spent over a ten year period on the government’s “Water for the Future” plan.  

Access to the funds will be conditional on state and territory governments achieving agreed upon water reforms.

Projects recently announced include: 

• Water security efforts will receive a significant share of funds ($2.3 billion over five years) to help cope with climate change.

• National Urban Water and Desalination Plan will be allocated $1.0 billion that will in turn be distributed to cities with 50,000+ populations for the specific development of new water supplies.

• The Sustainable Rural Water Use and Infrastructure Program will be allocated $5.8 billion for key rural water projects that help secure a long term sustainable future for irrigation regions and return water to the rivers.

• Private companies, utilities, and state and local governments will be able to apply for grants and tax breaks to help fund efforts that support the implementation of desalination projects, water recycling, and storm water harvesting.

• Two recycling projects in Adelaide and Geelong will receive $50 million of funding.

In terms of other climate change-related initiatives, the Australian government announced several investments that are aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions:

• $500 million over six years for a Renewable Energy Fund

• $500 million over eight years for a National Clean Coal Fund

• $150 million over four years for an Energy Innovative Fund

• $500 million over five years for a Green Car Innovation Fund

• $240 million over four years for businesses seeking to improve their energy efficiency

• $300 million over five years for households seeking to switch to solar power or install more energy-efficient and water-efficient products

  Labels: United Nations, U.N., MaximsNews WATER, water, Australia, Hon. Penny Wong, Minister for Climate Change and Water, climate change, Kathy Shandling, international development, environment, water news, water sustainability, water resource, water management, global water crisis, sustainable development

 

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