The Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and Urban Water, Senator Farrell, and Member for Griffith, Kevin Rudd, today announced the Australian Government is contributing $5.39 million towards the Brisbane City's Stormwater Harvesting and Reuse Project.

"This project enables Brisbane City Council to use treated stormwater for a range of uses such as sport and recreational park facilities," Senator Farrell said.

"The project will help reduce the amount of precious drinking water being used unnecessarily."

The Australian Government has provided more than $1.5 billion under the Water for the Future initiative to assist state and territory governments to diversify urban water supplies and assist in adapting to variable climatic conditions.

The treated stormwater project within Brisbane City Council is expected to save approximately 185 megalitres of potable water each year.

"It will also contribute towards improving waterway health in the catchment areas, in fostering habitat creation and improving water management efficiency," Mr Rudd said.

"The Australian Government looks forward to working cooperatively with Brisbane City Council to improve the security of water supplies in urban areas."

Brisbane City Stormwater Harvesting and Reuse Project is one of nine projects to be funded through the National Urban Water and Desalination Plan's third round of stormwater harvesting and reuse grants. This program is an essential part of the Australian Government's Water for the Future initiative.

The Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Graham Quirk, said the project will result in millions of dollars in savings to Brisbane ratepayers.

"I am always looking for new and innovative ways to keep Brisbane a clean and green city," Cr Quirk said.

"By harvesting stormwater to irrigate seven parks, we are able to save valuable drinking water that would be otherwise used for these purposes."

Securing a sustainable, safe water supply for all Australians is a key priority for the Australian Government through the Water for the Future initiative.