Climate Change
Climate Ready Program
This Program was launched by the Australian Government on 28 July 2008. It is a competitive merit-based grants program that aims to increase the level of high quality innovation activities by small to medium sized enterprises in Australia that address the effects of climate change. It provides grants from $50,000 to $5 million for the costs of research and development, proof-of-concept and early-stage commercialisation activities in eligible projects.
The Program will support projects for innovations designed to address the impacts of climate change which may include:
- water recycling, waste recovery or small scale renewable energy technologies
- technologies that reduce the energy used by appliances or increase the efficiency of industrial processes
- products, processes or services to monitor emissions or power usage
- using biotechnology or nanotechnology to address the effects of climate change on humans and the environment
- information systems for businesses or consumers to compare the carbon footprints of different activities
This Program is very similar to Commercial Ready, and some enterprises that were in the process of drafting applications for Commercial Ready funding may wish to consider applying for funding under Climate Ready.
Further information about the Program is available on the AusIndustry website.
Drought Assistance Information
Many of the communities that we are involved with are noticeably affected by the prolonged drought and reduced water availability. The entire area of SA covered by Sturt ACC has been declared an exceptional circumstances region, and there is a significant impact on the Riverland communities in particular.
We are keen to facilitate access to as many sources of advice, information and support services for rural communities, farmers, business and industry with relevant information.
The following links may be of interest and assistance:-
Drought affected areas in South Australia
SA Government's Drought Link - or call the Drought Link hotline on 180 20 20
Australian Government's Drought Assistance for Small Business and Farmers - or call the Drought Assistance hotline on 13 23 16
Australian Government's Drought Force for Farms and Farm Communities - or call the Drought Force hotline on 1800 004 226
Drought policy for Australia's future
Extension of drought assistance for Central NE
National Water Initiative
The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) has agreed to a National Water Initiative (NWI) covering a range of areas in which greater compatibility and the adoption of best-practice approaches to water management will bring substantial benefits nationally.
Water Restrictions in South Australia
Level 3 water restrictions are currently in place in SA and apply to:-
• SA Water customers supplied with River Murray water and those on the southern Fleurieu
• Water taken directly from the River Murray for domestic use, including water used by shack owners
For details of other restrictions across the State visit the Drought Response and Water Restrictions
Permanent water conservation measures are in place for other customers (including Kangaroo Island) and Eyre Peninsula is covered by a separate set of restrictions.
To find out more, phone the Water Restrictions Hotline on 1800 130 952 or visit Level 3 Restrictions at a Glance.
Water and Sustainable Landscapes
"The Journey to Sustainable Irrigation" was presented by Professor Peter Cullen, Adelaide Thinker in Residence, to the Annual Conference of the Irrigation Association of Australia that was held in Adelaide in May 2004. Peter's presentation explored the importance of the sustainability of Australia's irrigation industry - in the long term - to ensure the future of our regional communities.
Peter also prepared "Water Challenges for South Australia in the 21st Century" for the State Government which was launched by the Premier, Mike Rann, in September 2004. In the preface to the report, Peter says that he "identifies eighteen actions that South Australia needs to take in its journey to sustainability. Some are new and others have been considered before, but left as too hard. The time is here to stop talking and start doing if South Australians are to be prepared for the water challenges facing us all in the 21st Century".
Visit thinkers in residence for more information about Peter Cullen and other Adelaide Thinkers in Residence.