Simpson wrong wrong wrong on water claims: Bligh

06 December 2006

Scaremongering and misleading Queenslanders in this the season of goodwill – especially on a water matter - is not wise and reflects badly on the State Opposition, Deputy Premier and Treasurer Anna Bligh said today.

Ms Bligh fiercely refuted today’s Opposition water-rebate claims.

“There is ample money in the program and more will be made available as and when it is needed,” said Ms Bligh.

“Today’s claim is just silly – especially bearing in mind the person who made them was last month falsely claiming that Level 8 water restrictions were under consideration.

“Such a level does not even exist. In a time when commonsense and logic are required we get the complete reverse from the Opposition.

The Premier today announced that 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.

“It shows yet again Ms Simpson is wrong wrong wrong.

“Ms Simpson should have been listening in Parliament last week when I reported that, as at 30 October, 17,363 retrofits had been completed which represented an estimated water saving of 365.2ML a year - or around 1ML every day.

That figure now stands at around 25,000. More than 86 plumbers are now employed under the scheme.

This will accelerate our program to achieve the target of 150,000 by December 2007.

“So we are getting on with the job and achieving real results for Queenslanders genuinely interested in working with the government and the Opposition wants to play politics and undermine the process,” Ms Bligh said.

Media contact: Deputy Premier’s Office 3224 6900