HOME WATERWISE REBATE SCHEME REACHES $20M MILESTONE

The Beattie Government this week will pass the $20 million mark for rebates paid for water tanks, water-efficient appliances and fittings under the Home WaterWise Rebate Scheme.

Water Minister Craig Wallace said rebates payments also would be further speeded up this week after 25 new staff finished training last week.

However, Mr Wallace said the fact that 50% of applications were not being properly completed was delaying the payments.

“The Home WaterWise Rebate Scheme is the largest rebate scheme in this state’s history in terms of the individual applications,” Mr Wallace said.

“Queenslanders are passionate about saving water and they have flooded the scheme with applications,” he said.

“The talk around the barbecue is now about whether people have their water tank, their water-efficient shower rose and washing machine.

“We have now reached the $20 million rebate milestone and further milestones will be reached quickly with 25 more staff.”

Around 14,000 cheques and 21,700 electronic funds transfer payments have been sent to people under the Home WaterWise Rebate Scheme.

Nearly 16,000 rebates for washing machines have been paid for washing machines, over 15,000 rebates for water tanks and over 2,800 for dual-flush toilet suites.

Processing staff have now increased to 85, up from 42 in November, with a further five staff to begin the next fortnight.

Mr Wallace said Home WaterWise Rebate Scheme managers were concerned at the 50% of applications that were not correctly filled out.

“This causes substantial delays for processing staff who must contact applicants to get more information or correct provided information,” Mr Wallace said.

The main problems with incorrect applications are:

·Copies of receipts/invoices are provided rather than originals.

·Some applicants are even failing to sign their application form.

·Applicants do not attach proper proof of residency. People must attach Rates Notices.

·Some applicants are applying for rebates but they have not bought eligible four-star washing machines. People should access the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards website (www.waterrating.gov.au/) for full details of approved machines.

·People are not fully reading the terms and conditions of the scheme, which are available on the Department of Natural Resources and Water website at (www.nrw.qld.gov.au/water/saverscheme/). Facts sheets on the scheme and all the available products are also available at the website.

The Home WaterWise Rebate Scheme is state-wide.

It offers rebates of up to $1000 for water tanks, $200 for 4-star or better water-rated washing machines and $150 for dual flush toilets.

Media inquiries: Paul Childs, Craig Wallace’s office, on 0407 131 654.