BLIGH GOVT GRANT MAKES TUFNELL CHILD CARE CENTRE WATERWISE

Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace has congratulated a child care centre run by Anglican not-for-profit organisation Spiritus for saving up to 362,400 litres of town water each year.

The massive water savings have been achieved through the installation of a range of water-saving devices, funded by a $20,924 grant from the Bligh Government.

"Tufnell Child Care Centre has shown how saving water can be part of an organisation’s everyday activities. It’s great to see this significant funding from the Queensland Government has enabled this facility to save so much water," Mr Wallace said.

Spiritus’ Tufnell Child Care Centre was sent a cheque for $5,246.70 this week, which is the final instalment of the grant.

"The grant has been used to install rainwater tanks to maintain the gardens and also clean the play areas. It has also been used to install water-efficient devices in the centre’s bathrooms. This is a great way of saving town water," Mr Wallace said.

"By installing these water-saving devices the centre is ensuring its members can play their part in water conservation for the future."

Mr Wallace said Tufnell Child Care Centre, run by the Corporation of the Synod of the Diocese trading as Spiritus, was one of almost 600 not-for-profit organisations which have received funding under the Queensland Government’s Lifestyle Waterwise grants program.

The $10 million Lifestyle Waterwise grants program has assisted sporting clubs, churches and parents and citizens groups to implement water-saving measures.

Successful projects include improving watering systems, replacing existing water amenities including toilet cisterns, providing alternative water sources such as rainwater tanks, and installing swimming pool covers and rollers.

Mr Wallace said: "The Queensland Government is committed to protecting our environment through responsible and sustainable use of our most precious resources.

"By working with local organisations like Spiritus to conserve water, we are helping to secure a greener future for our state, as we move Toward Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland.

"Our Lifestyle Waterwise program has enabled schools, community groups, sporting clubs and churches to play their part in helping to keep our parks and playgrounds alive during drought.

"We recognise the great services these groups provide their local communities and I’m pleased we have been able to support them in their efforts to implement responsible water use initiatives."