BLIGH GOVERNMENT AND BLACK AND ALICE RIVER RESIDENTS TAKE ACTION TO REDUCE WATER USE

The Bligh Government is working with Black and Alice River residents to reduce water use in their area.

Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace said Black and Alice River district residents were invited to attend a discussion evening next week which would include a Home and Garden WaterWise presentation.

“Natural Resources and Water staff will be on hand to talk with residents about their water issues in the Black and Alice River area,” Mr Wallace said.

“This is a great opportunity for Black and Alice River district residents to have their say.”

Black River resident Bill Condon is encouraging Black and Alice River district residents to attend the public meeting.

“This is an excellent opportunity for the community to speak face to face with the Minister and Departmental staff. This will be an important meeting and I encourage residents to attend.”

Discussion is expected to take place on groundwater access for local residents. Restricted groundwater access currently applies to landholders in the Black and Alice River area to protect the sustainable use of the resource. There is interest from a number of landholders in the Black and Alice River area to increased access to this resource.

The Bligh Government is committed to finding a balance between industrial and domestic water use within the community and this is a good chance for the community to come together and discuss different options.

Date: Wednesday 1 October 2008

Time: 7.30 pm

Venue: Rupertswood Hall

The Home and Garden WaterWise Rebate Scheme is the Queensland Government’s incentive package designed to assist residents make their homes and gardens more water efficient.

Minister Wallace said the Rebate Scheme had proved extremely popular with the Townsville community.

“We started the scheme in July 2006 to reward residents who save water at home by installing rainwater tanks and water efficient appliances,” he said.

“Since then, the rebate scheme has become biggest and most successful scheme of its type in the country.

“The scheme is an important part of the Bligh Government’s efforts to save water and ensure sustainable water supplies for the community and that’s why it’s important that residents have access to information on this scheme.”

Rebate figures for the Townsville/Thuringowa area:

Media contact: Minister Wallace’s office, 3896 3688.