CQ BUSINESS GIVEN BOTTOM LINE ABOUT SAVING WATER AND ENERGY

A State Government program that could save thousands of dollars – and save precious water and energy supplies – was the topic over breakfast today for Central Queensland businesses.

Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr told the gathering the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Rockhampton City Council had formed an alliance to promote the EPA’s ecoBiz program to business and industry.

“Almost 300 businesses across Queensland are part of ecoBiz, which provides rebates of up to $150,000 to help companies save energy and water,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

“Collectively businesses involved in the program have the potential to save 577 megalitres of water, equivalent to 12,000 backyard swimming pools, 68,500 gigajoules of power which is enough to power 1,800 homes for a year and reduce solid waste by 15,000 tonnes.

“They also have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 18,300 tonnes, which his equal to taking 4,500 cars off the road for 12 months.”

Ms Nelson-Carr also presented Gladstone timber processor Austicks with an ecoBiz rebate for $50,000 to help introduce new processes that will result in massive energy savings.

“This is the first timber processing company involved in the ecoBiz program and these savings can be used as a model for other timber companies across the state.”

Ms Nelson-Carr said she hoped many more businesses could become part of the ecoBiz program to improve their bottom line.

“It is particularly relevant given the environmental issues facing us today, including global warming,” she said.

Media contact: Karla Steen 3336 8004 or Andie Gatti 3336 8002