Published Wednesday, 06 December, 2006 at 03:42 PM
JOINT STATEMENT
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
Minister for Natural Resources and Water and Minister Assisting the Premier in North Queensland
The Honourable Craig Wallace
NEW $10M WATERWISE INITIATIVE TO MAINTAIN QLD LIFESTYLE
Queensland’s active, outdoor lifestyle received a boost today with the launch of the Queensland Government’s $10 million Lifestyle WaterWise program.
Premier Peter Beattie said the program, which delivered on an election commitment, would assist Queensland’s not-for-profit organisations to maintain gardens, parks and sporting fields during the drought.
“Lifestyle WaterWise is about maintaining the active, outdoor lifestyle Queensland is renowned for,” Mr Beattie said.
“The drought has seen so many of our parks, gardens and sporting fields drying out, and Queensland kids in particular are suffering as a result.
“This program means Queensland sporting clubs, P&Cs, churches and community childcare, kindergartens and preschools will be able to access grants of up to $30,000 to implement waterwise measures.
“Eligible measures could include improving watering systems for parks, gardens or sporting fields, replacing existing water-use devices such as single-flush toilets, providing alternative water sources such as water tanks, and installing swimming pool covers and rollers.
“This is about maintaining a vital part of our great Queensland lifestyle and I encourage Queensland clubs and organisations to put their hand up for this assistance to help them save water, save money, and access alternative water supplies,” he said.
Minister for Natural Resources and Water Craig Wallace said applications would be prioritised to assist organisations in greatest need.
“Clubs in the worst drought-stricken areas will be given priority for this funding, and applicants will be asked to provide details on the volume of patronage and water usage,” Mr Wallace said.
“The new initiative was a further example of the Beattie Government’s commitment to battling the drought and securing water supply.
“Lifestyle WaterWise complements the initiatives already in place for homes and business, which are proving hugely successful,” Mr Wallace said.
“As of yesterday, rebates paid to Queensland households for installing water-tanks, dual-flush toilets and other water-saving devices passed the $10 million mark, with 20,300 applications now approved and paid.
“The number of applications being processed has increased from 200 to between 750-1000 a day, and to keep up with the impressive demand, staffing will be further increased from 42 to 70 in the next two weeks, and to 90 by the end of the month.
“This is clear evidence that Queenslanders are committed to saving water and I congratulate them for this commitment.”
Mr Wallace said there would be two levels of Lifestyle WaterWise grants – up to $30,000 and between $3000 and $10,000 for organisations seeking smaller grants.
Projects should fall under four categories:
1. Improving sportsground or park watering systems;
2. Replacing existing water-use devices (eg. single-flush toilets);
3. Providing alternative water sources; and
4. Installing swimming pool covers and rollers.
Lifestyle WaterWise application forms will be available from today at www.nrw.qld.gov.au or by calling 1800 243 585.
ENDS
Wednesday, 6 December 2006
Media contact: 3224 4500 (Premier’s office) or 0407 131 654 (Wallace’s office)
Premier Peter Beattie said the program, which delivered on an election commitment, would assist Queensland’s not-for-profit organisations to maintain gardens, parks and sporting fields during the drought.
“Lifestyle WaterWise is about maintaining the active, outdoor lifestyle Queensland is renowned for,” Mr Beattie said.
“The drought has seen so many of our parks, gardens and sporting fields drying out, and Queensland kids in particular are suffering as a result.
“This program means Queensland sporting clubs, P&Cs, churches and community childcare, kindergartens and preschools will be able to access grants of up to $30,000 to implement waterwise measures.
“Eligible measures could include improving watering systems for parks, gardens or sporting fields, replacing existing water-use devices such as single-flush toilets, providing alternative water sources such as water tanks, and installing swimming pool covers and rollers.
“This is about maintaining a vital part of our great Queensland lifestyle and I encourage Queensland clubs and organisations to put their hand up for this assistance to help them save water, save money, and access alternative water supplies,” he said.
Minister for Natural Resources and Water Craig Wallace said applications would be prioritised to assist organisations in greatest need.
“Clubs in the worst drought-stricken areas will be given priority for this funding, and applicants will be asked to provide details on the volume of patronage and water usage,” Mr Wallace said.
“The new initiative was a further example of the Beattie Government’s commitment to battling the drought and securing water supply.
“Lifestyle WaterWise complements the initiatives already in place for homes and business, which are proving hugely successful,” Mr Wallace said.
“As of yesterday, rebates paid to Queensland households for installing water-tanks, dual-flush toilets and other water-saving devices passed the $10 million mark, with 20,300 applications now approved and paid.
“The number of applications being processed has increased from 200 to between 750-1000 a day, and to keep up with the impressive demand, staffing will be further increased from 42 to 70 in the next two weeks, and to 90 by the end of the month.
“This is clear evidence that Queenslanders are committed to saving water and I congratulate them for this commitment.”
Mr Wallace said there would be two levels of Lifestyle WaterWise grants – up to $30,000 and between $3000 and $10,000 for organisations seeking smaller grants.
Projects should fall under four categories:
1. Improving sportsground or park watering systems;
2. Replacing existing water-use devices (eg. single-flush toilets);
3. Providing alternative water sources; and
4. Installing swimming pool covers and rollers.
Lifestyle WaterWise application forms will be available from today at www.nrw.qld.gov.au or by calling 1800 243 585.
ENDS
Wednesday, 6 December 2006
Media contact: 3224 4500 (Premier’s office) or 0407 131 654 (Wallace’s office)