MORE THAN $100 MILLION WORTH OF WATER TANK REBATES PAID

The Beattie Government’s Home WaterWise Rebate Scheme (HWRS) has passed another milestone, with more than $100 million worth of rebates provided for rainwater tanks in Queensland.

Water Minister Craig Wallace said at the close of business on Monday (September 3), the scheme had processed 102,136 rebates for rainwater tanks to a value ofmore than $100 million.

“It is remarkable that we have provided more than 100,000 rebates to Queenslanders for rainwater tanks, to help them conserve this precious resource,” Mr Wallace said.

The $100 million mark represents almost 85% of all rebates paid to date – nearly $118 million.

Mr Wallace said although the water tank industry was reporting reduced demand for tanks, this was not due to State Government rebates.

“Other organisations may have cut back but we are keeping on keeping on with the same $1,000 rebate, whether tanks are plumbed in or not.”

More than $12 million has also been provided for62,682 water efficient washing machines and more than $2 million for 14,754 dual-flush toilet suites.

One in every eight households in the Brisbane City Council area now has a rainwater tank, up from one in every 20 households three years ago.

“Congratulations to all Queenslanders who have embraced the scheme and taken advantage of our generous rebates but also to the hard-working staff on the scheme’s processing team for their great effort in getting these rebates processed.”

The HWRS passed the $100 million mark for rebates paid early in August. The Beattie Government provided a further $100.8 million for the HWRS in the State Budget, providing funding until June 30, 2008.

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