$50M PAID OUT IN HOME WATERWISE REBATE SCHEME

Water Minister Craig Wallace announced that the Home WaterWise Rebate Scheme today will today pass the $50 million mark for rebates on water-saving products such as water tanks, dual flush toilets and water-efficient washing machines.

Mr Wallace said rebates had been provided for 41,133 rainwater tanks, 32,294 water-efficient washing machines and 7,398 dual-flush toilet suites.

Based on the 86,500 rebates paid to date, it is estimated the Home WaterWise Rebate Scheme will save 1900 million litres of water in a full year.

“I congratulate Queenslanders who are doing their bit to save water by buying water-efficient products,” Mr Wallace said.

“The government is recognising this extraordinary community effort in the worst drought on record by today passing the $50 million mark in rebates paid,” he said.

The Beattie Government announced earlier this month that 25 more processing staff are expected to start work at the Home WaterWise Rebate Scheme in early June.

This means approximately 156 staff will be working on the scheme, which is believed to be the biggest consumer rebate scheme in Queensland’s history.

Processing times had been increased recently due to the fact that between 20% to 45% of applications were incorrectly or incompletely filled out.

This problem was addressed last month by streamlining the application form and terms and conditions and by providing a checklist to help applicants fill in the form correctly.

The Home WaterWise Rebate Scheme offers rebates for a range of products, including up to $1000 for water tanks, $200 for 4-star or better water-rated washing machines, $500 for greywater systems, $150 for dual flush toilets and $30 for 3-star showerheads.

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