Council increases funding to water tank rebate scheme
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Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has added an extra $20,000 to the water tank rebate scheme to fund growing demand.
TRC Finance and Business Strategy Chair Cr Geoff McDonald said that Council had decided to double the funds allocated for the financial year.
“The eligibility for the rebate was updated in September to allow more residents to access the scheme, and the response has been overwhelming,” Cr McDonald said.
“The Scheme has proved very popular with applications received from throughout the Toowoomba Region.
“Since 1 July 2020, the Scheme has seen 55 successful applications at a cost to Council of $22,600.”
Cr McDonald said the Scheme’s criteria allowed water tanks of at least 5000 litres capacity, to be retrofitted to existing houses and commercial properties.
“A rebate of $300 for a 5,000-litre tank and $500 for a 10,000-litre tank per eligible property is available through the Scheme, Cr McDonald said.
“To be eligible for the rebate, properties are to be connected to a Council reticulated water supply network. However, it is up to the applicant as to whether the tank is plumbed into the premises.
“There is a maximum of one application per existing house or commercial property connected to a Council water network.
“The Scheme will remain open until 30 June 2021 or until the supplementary budget of $20,000 is spent.
“The rebate is delivered to applicants through reduction to either water rate, or rates notice in the next notice cycle after approval of the application.
“Residents and commercial operators who had applied for the Scheme after the budget was exhausted will have their applications reviewed.
TRC Water and Waste Chair Cr Rebecca Vonhoff said water tanks assist in reducing total demand on Council’s water supply network.
“The rebate scheme helps capture and use rainwater for domestic or commercial purposes and relieves pressure on supplies of potable water, particularly in regional areas,” Cr Vonhoff said.
“Water is precious, and encouraging people to use tanks makes sense.”