Townsville's New Water Smart Package

Townsville residents can now register their interest in being part of Council’s $10 million Water Smart Package to help our community become more water efficient.

The Water Smart Package is open to all homeowners, renters and body corporates.

The Package will start in the first quarter of next year and provide vouchers or rebates for water-efficient irrigation systems, low-flow shower heads, drought-resistant turf and compost bins.

Three tailored packages will support those on low incomes or Centrelink payments, households and body corporates.

Townsville pensioners and low-income families will be big winners as they are eligible for a $500 voucher to purchase items to make their garden more water efficient.

Remaining households can receive up to $300 through for the same items.

Up to 80 per cent of Townsville’s water use is outside the home so it’s crucial residents use water as efficiently as possible on their gardens and lawns.

The Package will be available to both homeowners and renters – if they can provide proof of permission from their landlord.

Body corporates will be able to receive up to $1000 in rebates to install water-saving devices such as pool covers, rain water tanks and drought-resistant turf.

Townsville City Council today received an update on the $10 million Water Smart Package – which is funded by the Queensland Government.

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the Package would provide the opportunity for all residents to become more water wise.

“The way Council has structured this Package will give everyone the chance to access support to make their homes and gardens more water efficient,” Cr Hill said.

“Pensioners and households won’t need to dip into their own pocket to receive water-efficient garden products such as irrigation timers and drought-tolerant plants.

“Council has deliberately structured the Package so anyone in the community from homeowners to renters and those on low incomes homeowners can receive a voucher to make their garden more water efficient.

“This is the first time such a scheme has been created to ensure local pensioners and low-income households aren’t left out-of-pocket.”

Cr Hill encouraged anyone interested in participating in the Package to complete a registration of interest form.

“This is a great opportunity to upgrade your irrigation system or install new drought-resistant plants and turf in the garden,” Cr Hill said.

“The Package also provides rebates for water-efficient devices such as shower heads and washing machines.

“There really is something for everyone in this Package and it will encourage all Townsville residents to become more waterwise.”

The Package is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2019, and the funding will be available on a first come first served basis.

The Water Smart Package is an important plank of Council’s 3-point water security solution.

Council’s 3-point water security solution includes:

The Queensland Government has contributed $225 million investment to improve water security in Townsville.

Visit our website for more details and to access the Water Smart Package.