GOLD COAST GETS $3.5M IN WATER TANK AND WASHING MACHINE REBATES

Nearly $3.5 million in rebates has been paid out to Gold Coast residents who have bought water tanks, water-efficient washing machines and other products that save our precious water resources.

Water Minister Craig Wallace and Member for Broadwater Peta-Kaye Croft said the Beattie Government had provided the funding since July last year under its Home WaterWise Rebate Scheme.

The following total rebates have gone to people in the Gold Coast City Council area for the following products:

·$2.54 million for 2587 rainwater tanks

·$794,000 for 3975 water-efficient washing machines

·$70,000 for 370 dual-flush toilet suites

·$9,400 for 47 pool covers/rollers.

Mr Wallace and Peta-Kaye Croft today visited Coombabah resident keen gardener June Urwin who received a rebate for a water tank under the scheme.

People in the Gold Coast City Council area have made the second largest number of applications under the Home WaterWise Rebate Scheme after Brisbane City Council residents ($7.3 million).

“The people of the Gold Coast have got behind the Home WaterWise Rebate Scheme and I congratulate them on it,” Mr Wallace said.

“People who have installed water-saving devices in their homes are helping south-east Queensland get through the worst drought in living memory,” he said.

Peta-Kaye Croft said: “It is no surprise that Gold Coast people are passionate about conserving water.

“I say good on you to local people who are using tank water for their gardens or are cutting their water use with more efficient washing machines and shower heads,” she said.

The Home WaterWise Rebate Scheme has been an unprecedented success with a flood of rebate applications being received.

Earlier this month 25 new staff completed their final training, bringing processing staff numbers to 85, up from 42 in November.

As a result, a record $2.3 million in rebates was provided last week, bringing the total rebates provided to $20 million.

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.

Facts sheets on the scheme and all the eligible products are available www.nrw.qld.gov.au/water/saverscheme/.

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