Mr McCARTHY - 2008-09-11
Central Australia is one of the driest areas in the driest inhabited continent. What is government doing to ensure that water resources are used wisely?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Barkly for his question. Government recognises that water needs very careful management, particularly in Central Australia. We know that we do not get much rain in Central Australia, and the member for Araluen would know that, so we have to be really careful in how we use our water.
I am very pleased that government will now provide Central Australians with even more options to save water. From 2009-10, this government will provide up to 500 families in Central Australia with a $500 subsidy to purchase rainwater tanks. Combined with the existing subsidy on insulation, this will mean a very substantial $1000 rebate for each tank. With an average roof area, a rainwater tank in Central Australia can supply around 10% of annual water usage for water efficient households, helping to conserve precious groundwater. Some of the rebates of $100 will now be available to help people to fix leaking taps and toilets, install a flow regulator/aerators to bathroom or kitchen taps, and dual flush on toilet cisterns. These new initiatives build upon the very successful Waterwise Central Australia Rebate Scheme, where Central Australians get $50 off water saving devices, such as water efficient shower heads or tap timers.
This government is working in partnership with Central Australians to conserve water for future generations. It is very important that we look after the environment and that we preserve the water that we have. We have to leave the environment and natural resources on the land so that our children and our grandchildren can benefit.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Barkly for his question. Government recognises that water needs very careful management, particularly in Central Australia. We know that we do not get much rain in Central Australia, and the member for Araluen would know that, so we have to be really careful in how we use our water.
I am very pleased that government will now provide Central Australians with even more options to save water. From 2009-10, this government will provide up to 500 families in Central Australia with a $500 subsidy to purchase rainwater tanks. Combined with the existing subsidy on insulation, this will mean a very substantial $1000 rebate for each tank. With an average roof area, a rainwater tank in Central Australia can supply around 10% of annual water usage for water efficient households, helping to conserve precious groundwater. Some of the rebates of $100 will now be available to help people to fix leaking taps and toilets, install a flow regulator/aerators to bathroom or kitchen taps, and dual flush on toilet cisterns. These new initiatives build upon the very successful Waterwise Central Australia Rebate Scheme, where Central Australians get $50 off water saving devices, such as water efficient shower heads or tap timers.
This government is working in partnership with Central Australians to conserve water for future generations. It is very important that we look after the environment and that we preserve the water that we have. We have to leave the environment and natural resources on the land so that our children and our grandchildren can benefit.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016