19 March 2021

Round 2 Love Water Grants applications open to support our community

Community groups and organisations can still apply for up to $10,000 under round two of Hunter Water’s 2020/21 Love Water grants program.

The one-off grants attracted a record number of quality applications from across the six Lower Hunter Local Government Areas in the first round last year with 20 successful applicants.

Love Water grants help to identify and solve water conservation issues; enhance liveability, diversity, inclusion and innovation in our community; and assist with customer hardship or economic stimulus as a result of the impact of COVID-19.

Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey encouraged Lower Hunter community organisations to apply for a grant so they in turn could support their members across the region.

“As we all start to feel more secure living in a COVID-normal society, it’s important to recognise there is a long path ahead of us and the Love Water grants can assist community groups to support their local areas and help build confidence.

“The high number of quality applications in round one was excellent to see and I encourage more local businesses and community organisations to apply in round two,” said Mrs Pavey.

One of the recipients under round one was Feedback Organic Recovery – a business converting food waste into food, locally and sustainably.

Owner David Sivyer said the grant would help revolutionise the business.

“It’s going to change our whole ballgame. We are very grateful and a big thanks to Hunter Water for sending some very needed funding to Feedback Organic."
David Sivyer, Feedback Organic Recovery Owner

“We want to make sure that every garden bed we have introduced has drip lines to it, so we don't need to do any sprinklers or inefficient watering full stop. This will help us to get a lot more consistency with our crops,” said Mr Sivyer.

Hunter Water Managing Director Darren Cleary said the Love Water grants program highlighted the value of saving our precious resource and making smart water choices.

“A Love Water grant can help increase water efficiency, enhance liveability and ensure Hunter Water is supporting our community as we all recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“We’re proud to partner with and support our community through this program as we work together to ensure a resilient and sustainable water future.”
Darren Cleary, Hunter Water Managing Director

Applications for round two, which opened on 24 February, close on Wednesday 24 March, unless extended beforehand.