BOOM IN WATERWISE WASHING MACHINES DUE TO REBATES AND HALF YEARLY SALES

The Bligh Government's Home WaterWise Rebate Scheme is providing a record 358 rebates a day for water-efficient washing machines as people take advantage of half yearly sales to help them save water.

Water Minister Craig Wallace said today that 142,771 Queensland
families had received a $200 rebate for installing 4-star washing
machines, with $28.5 million in rebates provided in total.

"The half yearly sales seem to have boosted the already brisk sales of
4-star washing machines, resulting in an average of 358 rebates being
paid a day over the last six weeks," he said.

"People going to the sales are hopefully getting a bargain on a
washing machine but they also are getting a $200 rebate and saving water at the same time."

The Home WaterWise Rebate Scheme is the most popular consumer rebate scheme in Queensland history, with over $260 million in rebates provided.

The Bligh Government provides rebates to people who save our precious water by installing 4-star washing machines, plumbed-in rainwater tanks, greywater systems, dual-flush toilet suites, water-efficient showerheads, pool covers and rollers and water-efficient garden products.

The scheme has received 898 applications for plumbed-in water tanks. In total, rebates have been paid for 228.900 rainwater tanks.

For further information go to www.nrw.qld.gov.au/water.

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