WIDE BAY GETS $800,000 IN WATER TANK AND WASHING MACHINE REBATES

Nearly $800,000 in rebates has been paid out to WideBay region residents who are buying water tanks, water-efficient washing machines and other products that save our precious water resources.

Water Minister Craig Wallace and Member for Hervey Bay Andrew McNamara said the Beattie Government had provided the funding since November 1 under its Home WaterWise Rebate Scheme.

Rebates have gone to WideBay people for the following products:

·688 water-efficient washing machines

·651 rainwater tanks

·56 dual-flush toilet suites

·53 water-saving shower heads

·39 pool covers/rollers, and

·3 greywater systems

Local government areas that are leading participants in the scheme include:

·Bundaberg – 19 rainwater tanks, 78 washing machine rebates

·Burnett – 37 tanks, 63 washing machine rebates

·Cooloola – 76 tanks, 145 washing machines

·Esk – 189 tanks, 76 washing machines

·HerveyBay – 45 tanks, 122 washing machines

·Kingaroy – 60 tanks, 43 washing machines

·Maryborough – 31 tanks, 38 washing machines

·Nanango – 66 tanks, 25 washing machines

“The people of the WideBay region have taken the Home WaterWise Rebate Scheme to their hearts and I congratulate them on it,” Mr Wallace said.

“In particular it is great to see that residents in rural areas such as Esk, Kilcoy, Kilkivan, Kingaroy and Nanango have been the keenest users of the scheme,” he said.

Andrew McNamara said: “It is no surprise that local 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,” he 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 available products are available www.nrw.qld.gov.au/water/saverscheme/.

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