About the Foundation

Purpose

The WA Government established the Premier's Water Foundation through the State Water Strategy in 2003 to promote and enhance water-related research and development activities within Western Australia.

The foundation provided grant funds for work where research and development gaps have been identified in the State Water Strategy. The grant supports research and development projects that challenge boundaries and investigate innovative ways of conserving water and maximising reuse of wastewater. An independent Advisory Board, nominated by the Premier, represents the foundation.

Foundation Members

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

The Board originally comprised of eight members. Dr Bruce Hobbs, former Chief Scientist of WA, resigned in 2006.

The foundation has conducted two calls for applications - in 2004 and 2005 - to fund water related research and development projects.

WA Water Awards recognised water research and innovation projects

The Department of Water and Water Corporation Water Awards acknowledge finalists from across WA who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in water use conservation and innovation. Two Premiers Water Foundation-funded projects have been recognised at the 2007 Water Awards. Clean TeQ's ion exchange recycling project was a winner in the Water Recycling category for small organisations and the vegetablesWA web-based irrigation efficiency project was a finalist in the Water Innovation category.

Evaluation of the Premier's Water Foundation Program

An evaluation of the Premier's Water Foundation to consider the operational effectiveness, stakeholder perceptions and future needs of the program was recently completed. The evaluation was considered timely following two rounds of funding (totalling $5.7 million of grant funds for 13 projects at a value of $21.6 million) and the transfer of the administration and contract management from the Department of the Premier and Cabinet to the Department of Water.