BEATTIE GOVERNMENT PARTNERS BUNNINGS IN WATER SAVING

The State Government and the Bunnings Warehouse chain are working together to encourage local residents to make their homes and gardens water wise, Water Minister Craig Wallace said today.

Mr Wallace said the one-stop-shop information display had returned to Bunnings Warehouse Caloundra as part of a state-wide government campaign to educate households to save water.

The display includes information and rebate application forms for the Home and Garden WaterWise Rebate schemes. It was at the store from early June to mid-July earlier this year.

Mr Wallace said consumer education was an important element in preserving our most precious resource - water.

"The rebate schemes are part of the government's plan to deal with the worst drought this state has seen," Mr Wallace said.

"The Home and Garden WaterWise Rebate schemes are providing incentives for Queenslanders to change their water habits to make a difference for the future."

The rebate schemes have saved almost 7000 megalitres a year, based on the almost 190,000 rebates paid to date.

"More than $114 million in rebates has been paid since the scheme started last July. With even greater awareness of the rebate schemes, we believe this take-up will increase even further," Mr Wallace said.

"Our initiative with Bunnings Warehouse will help strengthen this awareness and provide a one-stop-shop for information on the Home and Garden WaterWise Rebate schemes."

The Home and Garden WaterWise display will be located in the DIY court of Bunnings Warehouse Caloundra, 54 Caloundra Road, Caloundra until Tuesday 9 October 2007.

Rebate application forms are available from the Home and Garden WaterWise Rebate schemes displays at Bunnings Warehouse, or on the NRW website - www.nrw.qld.gov.au

The display includes information on cash rebates for water saving devices including rainwater tanks, dual flush toilet suites, 3-star showerheads, water efficient garden products, greywater systems, 4-star washing machines and swimming pool covers.

For further information, go to www.nrw.qld.gov.au/water or phone 1800 243 585.

Media contact: Caroline Kaurila, Craig Wallace's office on 3896 3694 or 0414 213 954.