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Water Saving Rebates For Some OnlyThe Nationals member for Gippsland Province PETER HALL claimed the State Government’s water savings rebate scheme actively discriminates against people living outside of major towns. By Peter Hall - 3rd July 2006 - Back to News Mr Hall said the rebates only applied to "residential customers on an urban reticulated water supply" and as such farmers and all those living on rural blocks without a town water supply cannot claim a rebate.
"People who rely on tank water for total water supply are the ones in most need and the ones who should be most assisted to put in water saving devices," Mr Hall said.
"It is discriminatory and moreover does not make sense to only assist those who can turn on a tap or a hose and access unlimited quantities of water."
Mr Hall said Labor MP’s including Gippsland representatives, Brendan Jenkins and Ian Maxfield were proudly announcing savings of up to $990 for town and city based residents but not a drop for rural dwellers.
"If you use a tank for watering your vegie garden in town you can get $150 off the cost of the tank, but if you live out of the town and you need a tank for your drinking water you have to pay the full cost," an exasperated Mr Hall said.
Products and services included in the rebate scheme, for urban dwellers only, include:
· AAA shower roses - $ 10
· Dual flush toilet - $ 50
· Greywater system - $500
· Rainwater tanks - $150
· Water audit - $ 30
· Tank to toilet connection - $150
· $100 ‘basket’ of water saving
goods, such as mulch, drip
irrigation systems, tap timers,
trigger nozzles, soil moisture
and rain sensors for the garden
or home - $ 30
"Great savings if you live in the town, but nothing for those in rural areas," Mr Hall said. "This system needs to change and it needs to change now."
Mr Hall said Labor had promised to govern for all Victoria, but once again they are turning their backs on rural Victorians and putting politics ahead of need.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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