Urban farming: the new city career

The State reports

Tucked away in a three-acre former vacant lot in Rosewood between an empty warehouse and an industrial laundry is an odd sight: an organic farm and fish hatchery.

From worm dirt up, architect Robbie McClam is creating a closed-loop system to grow micro-greens, vegetables and, eventually, two-pound tilapia fish.

Read more at the SOURCE: via The State – Part of green movement, farm sprouts in city

Call for water savings proposals for Australian towns and small cities

The Australian Government is seeking proposals to develop and implement practical projects to help secure urban water supplies in Australian towns and cities with fewer than 50,000 people.

“Funding under this program will support cities and towns with fewer than 50,000 people to improve the reliability, efficiency and sustainability of their urban water resources while reducing demand on potable supplies.

“Projects that could be supported include recycling and reuse, stormwater capture and reuse schemes, desalination and water sensitive urban design initiatives.”

Funding is capped at 50 per cent of total project costs, with the minimum Australian Government contribution of $250,000. While there is no maximum project size, the Australian Government contribution is capped at $10 million per project.

Projects must be completed by 30 June 2012.

Under an earlier stage of the Government’s National Water Security Plan for Cities and Towns, more than $100 million is earmarked for projects identified in 2007 election commitments.

Guidelines are available from www.environment.gov.au/water/programs/index.html or by calling 1800 218 478.

SOURCE: Minister for Climate Change and Water – Call for water savings proposals for Australian towns and small cities – 1 October 2009.

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