The foundation is well down the path to demonstrating the practical contribution that can be made to sustainable development by partnerships that specifically target innovation.

One highly ranked project that was initiated and completed in 2003 was the demonstration of a system for control of seepage through aquifers. The system has application in reducing ingress of water into mining operations, and control of seepage from mine pits and stockpiles. It can also be applied to seepage issues associated with water distribution systems. The successful system involves the injection of a new type of sealant to produce relatively thin subterranean barriers to groundwater flow. At this stage the sealant appears to be the first to meet the requirements of ANCID (Australian National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage) for soil sealants.

In keeping with the networking objectives of the foundation, demonstration of the subterranean barrier system was performed at full scale in conjunction with Australia's Murray Darling Basin Commission, at a site that is managed by Wimmera Mallee Water, a rural water authority.

A further 20 projects are expected to be brought forward for consideration and approval of the advisory board in 2004. Following its initial successes the foundation is expected to continue to pursue its charter under the guidance and support of its advisory board through to mid 2007.