6 September 2024
A new Community Rebate program has been launched by Goulburn Valley Water to give community groups and clubs a new opportunity to access funding to develop projects that benefit their region.
The new community program is in addition to GVW’s existing individual rebates and is designed to support projects or initiatives that benefit local communities. GVW is looking to support projects that help build awareness around water, increase community resilience, support wellbeing, build capacity or help the environment.
As part of the development of Price Plan 2023-28, GVW worked with customers to create a program to identify where individual and community rebates should be paid, and how much.
The Community Rebate program is available to communities which have experienced impacts when GVW has been unable to meet an identified service target.
Applications are now open for the 2023/24 year funding pool, with rebates available in:
- Mooroopna – up to $4,000
- Shepparton – up to $2,000
- Grahamvale – up to $2,000
- Marysville – up to $2,000
Goulburn Valley Water Acting Managing Director Daniel Flanagan said the rebate program was open to community or sporting groups, clubs, educational providers and not-for-profit organisations.
“The Community Rebate program enables us to provide funding to groups that allow them to develop and carry out projects or initiatives that best reflect the individual needs or priorities of each community,” he said.
Mr Flanagan said GVW was committed to maintaining high levels of services and the Community Rebate program was a recognition of accountability to GVW’s customers.
“We know that when we don’t meet a target, it can have an impact on our customers or communities, for example if someone’s water is off for a longer period of time, or if we don’t repair a sewer blockage in a reasonable timeframe or we have to issue a boil water notice,” he said.
“The Community Rebate program is a way for us to recognise that we didn’t meet the expectations we have set for ourselves or those of our customers, and to give something back to the affected community in a way that will create local benefits.
“We’re looking forward to seeing some fantastic projects through the application process and we encourage all community groups, clubs and not-for-profit organisations to submit an application.”
Applications close at midnight on Tuesday, 1 October.
People can find more information or apply on the Community Rebate page.