Government and Local Councils should promote the community benefit of substituting rainwater for some everyday household uses.
Australia, Commonwealth of (Press Release) September 27, 2007 --
The Master Plumbers Association of Queensland (MPAQ) is calling on the Government and Local Councils to promote the community benefit of substituting rainwater for some everyday household uses.
MPAQ President Bob Kimlin says there has been a state-wide drop of rainwater tank sales and he believes this is attributed more to confusion and misinformation in the market place than a policy change in Brisbane, which now requires connection to either a toilet or washing machine.
“Master Plumbers are not only concerned with maintaining community health and protecting the environment, we also care about good public policy”.
“Public policy has influenced behaviour through a combination of information, incentives and regulation. We are achieving good outcomes but can still do better”.
“Most people are keen to do their bit to help in the fight to maintain sustainable drinking water supplies and with the right information should not be deterred from continuing their efforts, including the internal connection of rainwater tanks”.
Mr Kimlin says the rebate scheme for existing homeowners has been successful and can continue to be so when everyone understands the amount of town water that can be saved and the importance of this in the overall drought management strategy.
“The Brisbane City Council rebate has continued for another year and has been increased to cover the additional cost of a basic connection, which can be as little as $300.”
“This is good policy and should be promoted and communicated better to the people of Brisbane”.
“MPAQ applauds the decision of the full council to require tanks to be connected to at least one internal fixture – either a toilet or the washing machine”.
“This is a prudent application of ratepayers’ money and ensures that you are getting the most “bang for your buck” by further reducing the load on the town water supplies”.
It is now up to the state Government to do the same.
MPAQ President Bob Kimlin says there has been a state-wide drop of rainwater tank sales and he believes this is attributed more to confusion and misinformation in the market place than a policy change in Brisbane, which now requires connection to either a toilet or washing machine.
“Master Plumbers are not only concerned with maintaining community health and protecting the environment, we also care about good public policy”.
“Public policy has influenced behaviour through a combination of information, incentives and regulation. We are achieving good outcomes but can still do better”.
“Most people are keen to do their bit to help in the fight to maintain sustainable drinking water supplies and with the right information should not be deterred from continuing their efforts, including the internal connection of rainwater tanks”.
Mr Kimlin says the rebate scheme for existing homeowners has been successful and can continue to be so when everyone understands the amount of town water that can be saved and the importance of this in the overall drought management strategy.
“The Brisbane City Council rebate has continued for another year and has been increased to cover the additional cost of a basic connection, which can be as little as $300.”
“This is good policy and should be promoted and communicated better to the people of Brisbane”.
“MPAQ applauds the decision of the full council to require tanks to be connected to at least one internal fixture – either a toilet or the washing machine”.
“This is a prudent application of ratepayers’ money and ensures that you are getting the most “bang for your buck” by further reducing the load on the town water supplies”.
It is now up to the state Government to do the same.
Email
Print
SPAM
LEAVE A COMMENT
