13/12/00
Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes said Evans and Tate have received a grant of $40,000 in the latest round of grants from the Waste Management and Recycling Fund.
The grant will go towards upgrading its existing wastewater storage and irrigation station to improve the use of winery effluent to irrigate its Margaret River property.
In this project winery effluent will be recycled and used as a substitute for water to irrigate the vineyard during summer months.
Mrs Edwardes said Evans and Tate was one of 41 recipients of grants from the Waste Management and Recycling Fund totalling $1.02 million.
Western Australia’s Waste Management and Recycling Fund is raised from a levy on waste disposed to landfill. It is used to sponsor innovative waste reduction and recycling activities throughout the State.
“Each year almost $5 million is raised from the levy,” Mrs Edwardes said.
“Under the grants program, financial assistance is given to local communities, industry and local government organisations who have projects which will contribute towards the achievement of the State’s waste reduction targets.
“The grants are generally on a dollar-for-dollar basis and the preparedness of applicants to be equal partners in the projects demonstrates their commitment.”
Evans and Tate believes this project has the potential to reduce the irrigation requirement of vineyards by up to 15 per cent and provide a beneficial nutrient supplement to the vines at the same time.
Mrs Edwardes congratulated all successful recipients of grants in this funding round.
The total amount of grant funding under the program now totals over $6 million. An additional $2.2 million has also been allocated from the fund under the Municipal Recycling Services rebate scheme, which is a performance-based incentive to local councils to reward them for their kerbside recycling collection efforts.
The Minister reminded potential applicants that these grants would be advertised more frequently in future.
“The number of funding rounds has now increased from twice yearly to six times each year,” she said.
The round that has recently been advertised will close on Friday, December 29. Inquiries for grants should be directed to the Funded Programs section of the Department of Environmental Protection on 9222 8608.
Media contact: Steve Manchee on 9421 7777
