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Liberals To Extend Water Tank Rebate To EveryoneA Liberal Government will provide a $500 subsidy to all Victorians who install rainwater tanks, Shadow Minister for Country Victoria Philip Davis said today. By Parliament of Victoria - 16th November 2006 - Back to News In Seymour today to launch A Liberal Government Plan to Secure Regional Victoria’s Water Supply, Mr Davis said a Liberal Government would extend the tank rebate to all Victorians, not just those living in towns.
"Currently, only people living in residential areas with access to a reticulated water service are able to claim the tank rebate," Mr Davis said.
"This means that those living on farms or rural allotments without access to town water, are not eligible for the water tank rebate.
"While Labor’s policy only looks after those living in town, a Liberal Government will treat all water users equal."
Mr Davis said for Victorians connected to a town water supply, a Liberal Government will provide the subsidy by way of a $100 per annum discount on their water bills for each year over a five year period.
"A Liberal Government will also make it compulsory for all new homes to have a rainwater tank, which will also be eligible for the subsidy," he said.
"With the size of an average household roof measuring 250 square metres, for each millimeter of rain, an average roof can collect 250 litres of rain for your water tank. Rain water tanks not only make good economic sense, but they also lighten the burden of town water supplies."
The Liberal policy also details plans to halt the decommissioning of Lake Mokoan while more efficient storage options can be considered and stopping the "unbundling" water reform in all districts under Exceptional Circumstances.
"A Liberal Government will also ensure any permanent water transferred for urban use comes from investment into water savings infrastructure," Mr Davis said.
"Rural water users will have a say on who is elected to the boards of rural water authorities and we will update farm dam legislation to reduce regulations on the construction of dams on farming properties.
"A Liberal Government is also committed to legislate for any required reduction of consumptive water, that the decrease will be equal across all water right holders in the system and that adequate compensation be paid for that loss.
"The way of life we currently enjoy in country Victoria depends on a secure water supply, and a Liberal Government will make the tough decisions to ensure this happens."
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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