The QLD Government is offering WaterWise rebates to households across the state. The rebate is available for a new rainwater tank, water bladder or other council-approved water storage device, with a minimum capacity of 3,000 litres and internally plumbed to either a laundry cold water tap or toilet suite.

The rebate covers both the purchase cost and installation by a plumber licensed in Queensland.

ELIGIBILITY

•  Current owners and tenants are eligible to apply for a rebate once the rainwater tank has been ordered on or after 1 st February 2008 to 30 th June 2009, paid for in full and internally plumbed.

•  Owners and tenants are NOT eligible to claim a rebate for an internally plumbed rainwater tank where a rebate has already been paid for a free-standing rainwater tank on the residential property.

•  Owners and tenants of residential properties where mains water is not available are NOT eligible to claim a rebate for an internally plumbed rainwater tank.

AMOUNT AVAILABLE

The amount on offer from the Queensland State Government is $1,500.00.

Depending on your tank setup, you may be eligible for both state government and local council rebates. However, the total rebate you receive from both the state government and local council must not exceed the total purchase and installation costs.

Local council's offering rebates in QLD include;

Brisbane City Council – Ph: (07) 3403 8888 or visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Caboolture Shire Council – Ph: (07) 5420 0100 or visit www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au

Gold Coast City Council – Ph: 1300 366 692 or visit www.goldcoastwater.com.au

Ipswich City Council – Ph: (07) 3810 7855 or (07) 3810 6666 after hours or visit the website www.ipswich.qld.gov.au

Pine Rivers Shire Council – (07) 3480 6666 or visit www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au

Redcliffe City Council – (07) 3283 0233 or visit www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au

Some of the rebates from the above council's have drawn to a close on 30 th June 2008. However, rebates will still apply for tanks purchased or ordered up until 30 th June 2008. Applicants will then have a short period to install their tanks and claim the rebates – check with your local council for conditions.

APPLYING FOR A REBATE

You may apply for the State Government rebate by completing the application form and sending it to:

Home & Garden Water Wise Rebate Schemes GPO Box 2454 Brisbane QLD 4001

For more information visit www.nrw.qld.gov.au or call 1800 243 585. You can also send an email to: homewaterwiserebatescheme@nrw.qld.gov.au .

To see if a rainwater tank is a requirement in your local council area, visit the Department of Local Government, Planning, Sport & Recreation website www.localgovernment.qld.gov.au .

PLEASE NOTE: it is advisable to check with your local council to find out if they offer rainwater tank rebates in your local area.

The information supplied is subject to change without notice.