About the Foundation

The Premier's Water Foundation was created in response to the State Water Strategy released in February 2003 by the Western Australian Government.

The Foundation supports research and development projects that challenge boundaries and investigate innovative ways of conserving water and maximising reuse of wastewater.

The Premier's Water Foundation Grants Program has recently received a further $3 million in grant funding to support projects that, through innovation, education and the implementation of research outcomes, deliver on the State Water Strategy goals.

Purpose Statement

"To promote and enhance water related research and development in Western Australia."

 

Strategic Research

• Methods and technologies to support water conservation and efficiency in all water use sectors.
• Innovation in treated wastewater and storm water reuse, including:
  - Grey water in urban environments.
  - Large scale projects for water reuse.
  - Artificial aquifer storage and recovery.
• Investigating the changing nature of ground and surface water resources in relation to climate change and variability of conditions.

Foundation Members

• Mr Charlie Welker (Chair)
• Dr Tom Hatton (Deputy Chair)
• Hon Ron Davies AM JP
• Prof Bruce Elliott
• Dr Vanessa Guthrie
• Dr Bruce Hobbs
• Ms Rosanne Pimm, OAM
• Ms Wendy Pritchard

Board members are nominated by the Premier. The Board is responsible for ensuring the ongoing management of the Foundation.

Terms of Reference

Purpose

The WA Government, through the State Water Strategy, established the Premier's Water Foundation to promote and enhance water-related research and development (R&D) activities within Western Australia.

Ongoing management of the Foundation

The Board will conduct its functions in an independent and impartial manner.

Consideration of research activities

• To assess applications and make recommendations to the Premier for grant of funds for water research that provides a significant benefit to WA and is not being achieved through current R&D programs.
• To evaluate and advise on progress, output or outcomes of research funded.
• To encourage and promote research into matters that will facilitate the implementation of the State Water Strategy.
• To provide advice to the Premier on water research, as and when required.

Generation of additional funds

Seek complementary funding from the Commonwealth Government and private industry partners.