Published Sunday, 31 December, 2006 at 12:00 AM
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
STRICT NEW WATER SAVING TARGETS MANDATORY FOR NEW HOMES FROM JANUARY 1
The State Government’s latest initiative to reduce water use in South-East Queensland comes into effect from midnight tonight (New Year’s Eve) when strict new water saving targets become mandatory for all new houses.
Premier Peter Beattie today reminded South-East Queenslanders that the installation of rainwater tanks would be the easiest way to meet the Local Government and Planning Department requirements.
“”The new mandatory regulation means all new detached houses in the south-east corner must aim to achieve savings of 70 kilolitres a year, while terrace houses and townhouses must aim to achieve savings of 42 kl per year,” Mr Beattie said.
There are a variety of options for reducing water use including:
• dual reticulation,
• communal rainwater tanks or
• reusing stormwater.
“Everyone in South-East Queensland is acutely aware that dam levels are falling and there is no guarantee we will get drought breaking rain during our traditional wet season of January – March,” Mr Beattie said.
“I think the people of Brisbane and surrounding shires have responded magnificently to the need to reduce water use. This latest initiative is just one in a package of measures that are being introduced to ensure the long term water needs of the rapidly growing South-East Queensland region,” Mr Beattie said.
The mandatory water-saving targets for new homes set specific standards for rainwater tank installation:
• A minimum 5000-litre tank for detached houses
• A minimum 3000-litre tank for semi-detached houses (including townhouses and terrace houses)
“I emphasise that the new regulation only applies to houses built after January 1 2007, but there are also many other incentives available for existing home owners to install water saving devices,” Mr Beattie said.
For more information on the Government's Home WaterWise Rebate Scheme, for terms and conditions or application forms go to www.nrw.qld.gov.au or free call 1800 243 585
Media inquiries: Premier’s office 3224 4500
31 December 2006
Premier Peter Beattie today reminded South-East Queenslanders that the installation of rainwater tanks would be the easiest way to meet the Local Government and Planning Department requirements.
“”The new mandatory regulation means all new detached houses in the south-east corner must aim to achieve savings of 70 kilolitres a year, while terrace houses and townhouses must aim to achieve savings of 42 kl per year,” Mr Beattie said.
There are a variety of options for reducing water use including:
• dual reticulation,
• communal rainwater tanks or
• reusing stormwater.
“Everyone in South-East Queensland is acutely aware that dam levels are falling and there is no guarantee we will get drought breaking rain during our traditional wet season of January – March,” Mr Beattie said.
“I think the people of Brisbane and surrounding shires have responded magnificently to the need to reduce water use. This latest initiative is just one in a package of measures that are being introduced to ensure the long term water needs of the rapidly growing South-East Queensland region,” Mr Beattie said.
The mandatory water-saving targets for new homes set specific standards for rainwater tank installation:
• A minimum 5000-litre tank for detached houses
• A minimum 3000-litre tank for semi-detached houses (including townhouses and terrace houses)
“I emphasise that the new regulation only applies to houses built after January 1 2007, but there are also many other incentives available for existing home owners to install water saving devices,” Mr Beattie said.
For more information on the Government's Home WaterWise Rebate Scheme, for terms and conditions or application forms go to www.nrw.qld.gov.au or free call 1800 243 585
Media inquiries: Premier’s office 3224 4500
31 December 2006