Grassroots reservoir program opens for fourth round

Community groups can now apply for up to $10,000 in funding to host events or projects at South Australia’s reservoir reserves open for recreational access, as part of SA Water’s 2023-24 Reservoirs Partnership Program.

The program – already supporting three grassroots initiatives through the 2022-23 funding round – is open to not-for-profit organisations looking to connect communities with nature and recreation.

SA Water’s Senior Manager of Environment and Energy James Crocker said these thriving community spaces hold an abundance of opportunities for community groups to foster conservation, education and recreation.

“Our reservoir reserves are places of natural beauty that have been transformed into recreational destinations, and this program is all about getting the community together to activate these spaces further,” James said.

“Beyond the health and wellbeing outcomes associated with the activities you can experience, it’s also bringing people together to support the preservation of these special places.

“We’re looking for groups with ideas for an event or project that harnesses opportunities for getting active, conserving the native biodiversity of these spaces, or sharing knowledge on the importance of our natural environment and water sources.

“There’s a number of wonderful initiatives we’ve supported through this program during the past three years, and we’re excited to help deliver fresh initiatives that enhance visitor experience and provide everyone with a chance to enjoy our reservoir reserves.”

An aquaculture education program for students at Yankalilla Area School, a not-for-profit trail running group and an inaugural ‘Santa Dash’ community fun run were successful recipients in 2022-23.

Yankalilla Area School Principal Christine Bell said the funding received through SA Water’s program enabled them to purchase a sustainable tank system, which will help students raise native fingerlings.

"They’ll gain a wealth of knowledge about aquaculture and sustainability, and will be involved every step of the way by feeding and measuring their fish as they watch them grow, with the goal of releasing them into their new homes in Myponga Reservoir next year,” Christine said.

"All the tanks now have Perspex material on one side, so that younger students may also observe the fish such as Golden Perch and Murray Cod, and are ready to house our fingerlings once they arrive.

“Mimicking a circular economy, the nutrient-rich used water from the fish tanks is filtered through aquaponic garden beds to increase our capacity to grow produce, which is another wonderful learning opportunity.”

More information about applying for the Reservoirs Partnership Program – which closes at 5pm on Friday 8 September – can be found at reservoirs.sa.gov.au.

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