GREYWATER GUIDE FOR HERVEY BAY GARDINERS

A new Bligh Government greywater guide is now available for Hervey Bay gardeners to assist them to use greywater on their plants and lawns.

Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace said the Waterwise Queensland: Gardening with greywater guide was now available for Hervey Bay residents through the office of local MP Andrew McNamara.

Mr Wallace said the average Australian produces 95 litres of greywater each day – making greywater a good option for keeping gardens and lawns green, especially when water restrictions apply.

Member for Hervey Bay Andrew McNamara said Hervey Bay was filled with keen gardeners.

“Hervey Bay’s natural beauty and subtropical climate make it a great place to live and gardening is a favourite past time for many residents,” Mr McNamara said.

“Greywater is a good source of water for gardeners and I urge people to read Waterwise Queensland: Gardening with greywater,” he said.

“People also should remember that the Bligh Government offers a rebate of up to $500 to people who install greywater systems.”

Waterwise Queensland: Gardening with greywater provides information about:

• Dos and don’ts for using greywater
• Common plants that tolerate greywater and those that don’t (see separate story at end of the release.)
• Turf species that are greywater tolerant and not
• Maintaining soil quality

The Gardening with greywater guide explains the two different types of greywater – untreated and treated, and how they can be used effectively in the garden.

Untreated grey water is the water direct from showers, the bathroom wash basins and the laundry. Untreated grey water can only be used on lawns and gardens.

If the home owner has a grey water treatment system professionally installed on site, this water can be treated and has a greater range of uses.

Mr Wallace said the Bligh Government offered a rebate of up to $500 for greywater systems.

“Treated grey water can be used on lawns, gardens, washing walls, footpaths and vehicles, along with toilet flushing and even recycled back to the laundry,” Mr Wallace said.

“Greywater a good option for keeping gardens and lawns green and by using greywater we’re helping to reduce water use in our community,” Mr McNamara said.

Information on grey water treatment system rebates is available at ww.nrw.qld.gov.au/water.

Copies of Waterwise Queensland: Gardening with greywater are available at Andrew McNamara’s office, Unit 1, Elizabeth Street, Urangan, by calling ph: 4124 1386, or online at the Department of Natural Resources and Water website www.nrw.qld.gov.au/waterwise

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

GREYWATER FRIENDLY AND GREYWATER AVERSE PLANTS

·Common Queensland garden plants that tolerate greywater are: gardenia, Bird of Paradise, melaleuca, dietes, callistemon, conifers, yucca, liriope and hibiscus.

·Common plants that are not tolerant of greywater are: grevillea, bougainvillea, camellias, lavender, herbs, ferns, citrus, azaleas and vegetables seedlings.