$150 MILLION PAID OUT IN REBATES FOR WATER-SAVING PRODUCTS

The Bligh Government’s Home WaterWise Rebate Scheme has passed another milestone, with $150 million in rebates now paid to people buying water-saving products.

Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace said the $150 million included over $128 million in rebates for 130,829 rainwater tanks and nearly $15 million in rebates for 74,842 four-star water-efficient washing machines.

Other rebates amounts paid are:

·$2.6 million for 17,753 dual-flush toilet suites;

·Over $91,00 for 1851 greywater systems;

·Over $2.6 million for 13,362 pool covers/rollers;

·Over $464,00 for 19,321 shower heads; and

·Over $550,000 for 12,030 Home Garden products.

“We know Queenslanders are some of the most efficient water users in the world,” Mr Wallace said.

“The huge number of rebates paid out under the Home WaterWise Rebate Scheme shows we are also some of world’s keenest adopters of water-saving products,” he said.

The Home WaterWise Rebate Scheme is the largest consumer rebate scheme in Queensland’s history.

Currently the scheme is receiving 5000 to 6000 applications a week.

However, staff are keeping up with demand – they have paid $1 million in rebates each day for the past seven working days.

“I pay tribute to the staff at the Home WaterWise Rebate Scheme, who are doing all they can to ensure applicants are paid as quickly as possible, including working overtime every weekend,” Mr Wallace said.

Mr Wallace said the Bligh Government is working hard to secure south-east Queensland’s water supply through the Water Grid.

“But we also are taking strong measures to reduce demand, including through the very successful Home WaterWise Rebate Scheme,” he said.

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