Townsville residents are set to ‘wise up’ when it comes to water waste with the Queensland Government funded Water Smart Package launched today.
Member for Mundingburra and Minister for Communities, Disability and Seniors Coralee O’Rourke, representing Natural Resources Minister Dr Anthony Lynham in Townsville, said the $10 million state-funded program was further proof of the government’s commitment to water security and longevity for Townsville residents now and into the future.
“This program will benefit at least 19,000 Townsville households, by providing vouchers or rebates of up to $500 for concession card holders, and up to $300 for other Townsville residents,” Mrs O’Rourke said.
“There’s a great range of water-wise products that renters, homeowners and body corporates, are able to buy including rainwater tanks, pool covers, low-flow shower heads and shower timers.”
“Hundreds of dollars will go straight back into the pockets of almost a third of Townsville’s families and residents, to help them save water.
“An efficient watering system for your garden and lawn can save up to 10 rainwater-tanks of water a year, and a low-flow shower head can save you more than 130 bathtubs of water annually – that’s a massive water saving in times of drought and great way to be environmentally friendly all year-round.
“Our additional $10 million commitment to the people of Townsville, comes on top of the Palaszczuk Government’s $215 million funding for the new Haughton Pipeline, and will help ensure Townsville’s water security into the future.”
Mayor of Townsville Cr Jenny Hill said the Water Smart Package would boost the local economy and deliver the biggest water conservation campaign ever seen in Townsville.
“The Water Smart Package is a central part of Townsville’s 3-point Water Security Solution along with the water pipeline and water recycling projects,” Cr Hill said.
“The Queensland Government’s funding for Water Smart Package and Stage 1 of the water pipeline has been critical in locking in Townsville’s long-term water security and providing a huge boost for our economy and jobs in the process, and we are extremely grateful.”
The Palaszczuk Government committed $225 million for Townsville’s water security, with $215 million already put towards the Haughton Pipeline Duplication Project.
