PUBLIC HOUSING MADE WATER WISE

More than 9,200 Department of Housing dwellings have been upgraded with water-efficient shower roses and water-flow restrictors in an attempt to save water during the current drought, Housing Minister Robert Schwarten announced today.

Mr Schwarten said the upgrades were part of a $5.2 million program to upgrade the almost 38,000 social housing dwellings across the 22 local government areas in South East Queensland.

“The Department of Housing has a long standing policy to reduce its water consumption in all its properties,” Mr Schwarten said.

“Low-flow restrictors will be fitted to the cold water outlets of kitchen sinks, bathroom hand basins, bathroom showers and laundry tubs.

“As at January 23, more than 9,200 installations had been completed since the program started in September 2006.

“Work orders have been issued for installations in a further 5,798 households.

“All 37,882 households are expected to have these devices fitted by July 2007.

The Government’s construction and maintenance agency – Qbuild – has been engaged to undertake the installations.

Mr Schwarten said all new Department of Housing construction had AAA-rated, water-efficient shower roses, taps and dual-flush toilet cisterns installed.

“The Government recently extended its Home WaterWise Rebate Scheme on rainwater tanks to include departmental tenants,” Mr Schwarten said.

“Procedures have been implemented to enable tenants to claim a rebate from the Department of Natural Resources and Water, after gaining approval from my department for the installation.

“All tenants have been actively encouraged to adopt further water-saving strategies through the department’s Tenant Newsletter and the ‘Welcome to Your New Home’ kits.

“The department will continue to look for ways it can contribute to saving water during the worst drought in South East Queensland for more than 100 years.”

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