FUNDING: Call for proposals, Caring for our Country business plan 2009-10

The Australian Government is now calling for investment proposals for projects that will achieve the targets outlined in the newly released Caring for our Country business plan 2009-10.

Details of how you can submit a proposal will be available on the Caring for our Country website soon.

WATER: Rebates and grants - National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative

As part of the $12.9 billion Water for the Future plan, the Australian Government is delivering the $250 million National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative to help people use water wisely in their everyday lives. The Government is providing:

• Rebates of up to $500 for households to install rainwater tanks or greywater systems; and
• Grants to surf lifesaving clubs of up to $10,000 to install water saving and water efficient devices.

WATER: For consultation - Draft water efficiency standards for clothes washers & dishwashers, water efficiency labelling of combined washer/dryers

Organisations and individuals are asked to give their views on the draft Regulation Impact Statement: Minimum water efficiency standards for clothes washers and dishwashers and water efficiency labelling of combined washer/dryers.

The national Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) Scheme currently mandates registration and water efficiency labelling of clothes washing machines, dishwashers, toilets, urinals, taps and showers, with flow controllers optional. However, with the exception of toilets, there is no minimum standard for these products, which means that inefficient, high water-using products may still be sold to the public.

The draft report assesses the regulatory impacts, including the costs and benefits of setting minimum water efficiency standards for clothes washers and dishwashers to improve the water efficiency of these products. It also assesses the case for introducing a WELS label and minimum standard for the dryer component of combination washer dryers that use water in dryer-mode and stand-alone dryers that use water. On the basis of this assessment the draft report recommends that Australian Governments agree to proceed with these proposals.

The public consultation period closes on 23 January 2009.

WATER: Call for proposals - Administering Organisation(s), Centres of Excellence in Desalination and Water Recycling

The Australian Government's 10-year $12.9 billion Water for the Future strategy to secure the long-term water supply for all Australians includes funding of $1 billion for the National Urban Water and Desalination Plan. This plan supports a new funding program and a number of specific projects. Among these projects is the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Desalination based in Perth and a Centre of Excellence in Water Recycling based in Brisbane, each funded at $20 million over five years. Proposals are invited for the Administering Organisation for either or both Centres of Excellence. The closing date for submitting proposals is 6 February 2009.

CLIMATE: Climate Witness - your stories of the impacts of climate change and the actions we can take

Are you seeing climate change? What’s changed in your area? How is it effecting you, your family or your community? What are you doing to be part of the solution? WWF Climate Witness is a global conversation about the impacts of climate change and the actions we can take today. Browse the climate stories global map or tell your story.