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Small Businesses Now Eligible For Water Rebates  Small Business Water Rebates Small businesses will be eligible for new rebates on water efficient products for the first time under a Victorian Coalition Government plan to help reduce potable water usage. By Russell Northe - 20th July 2011 - Back to News Nationals Member for Morwell and Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business Russell Northe said the Coalition Government was delivering on its election commitment to invest $40 million in rebates on water efficient products for homes, gardens and now small businesses. "Water bills are soaring thanks to the Brumby Labor Government’s waste and incompetence, but these rebates will help small businesses and households make savings," Mr Northe said. "Victoria’s water storages are filling after recent rains but people need to continue their efforts to be water efficient and this is one way that we can make the most of every drop. "For the first time small businesses with 20 or less employees are eligible to receive rebates of up to $2000 on a range of water-efficient products. "Rebates are now available for items such as commercial glass washers, dishwashers and washing machines, high pressure cleaners and dual flush toilets," Mr Northe said. "The range of products available will encourage more small businesses, including restaurants, laundromats and car washes, to become water efficient.
"Over the next year, the program is expected to provide up to 5000 rebates for small businesses and up to 30,000 home and garden rebates." A rebate can be claimed for 50 per cent of the cost up to a maximum rebate amount of $2000 on eligible products purchased. For more information about the program and products eligible for a rebate visit
www.water.vic.gov.au/rebates
Media: Russell Northe 0408 22 55 23 / Julia Auciello 5133 9088
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com

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One Gippsland urges the 2026 Victorian budget to replace MotoGP with a new major event, boosting tourism, jobs, and economic growth while supporting cultural, nature-based, and renewable energy initiatives. - Official opening of the new flood-proof Traralgon Recreation Reserve Multiuse Pavilion on 17 April 2026
Traralgon Recreation Reserve’s new flood recovery pavilion opens April 17, featuring modern sports facilities, funded by federal, state and council partnerships, restoring community infrastructure damaged in 2021 floods. - Wellington Shire will deliver new 240L FOGO bins between April and June, with weekly organics collection starting 6 July 2026
Wellington Shire introduces new FOGO bins from July, weekly organic waste collection, landfill shift to fortnightly, boosting recycling, reducing emissions, and improving composting across households. - Drouin’s Commercial Place precinct to get $1.1M upgrades, enhancing safety, accessibility, streetscape and supporting local businesses
Construction on Drouin’s $1.1 million Commercial Place precinct upgrade begins October 2025, improving safety, accessibility, streetscape, pedestrian crossings, laneways, lighting, greenery, and community usability, completing mid-2026. - Danny O’Brien urges Gippsland landholders to understand new property taxes and reporting obligations effective from 1 January 2026
Danny O’Brien urged Gippsland landholders to understand new property taxes and reporting obligations from 1 January 2026, warning compliance is essential to avoid penalties despite Nationals’ opposition. - Bass Coast Shire Council delivers new shared path linking Cowes and Ventnor, boosting transport safety and community connectivity
Bass Coast Shire Council will deliver a new 2km Ventnor Road Shared Path, linking Cowes and Ventnor, improving safety, accessibility, and community connectivity. The $1.96m project is jointly funded with the Australian government. - David Littleproud says new mapping reveals Labor's renewables damage, strengthening the call for nuclear energy
The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal has accused the Albanese government of removing veterans' rights to review bravery awards, warning proposed reforms undermine fairness, independence, and recognition of Australia's war heroes. - West Gippsland CMA invites the community to join the Portrait of a River photo competition and send their entries by 30 April 2026
West Gippsland CMA launches the annual Water for the Environment photo competition, inviting participants to capture rivers’ beauty, moods, and stories. Prizes worth $1,000 are available. Entries open April 1-30, 2026. - Celebrate Korumburra Railway Precinct new skatepark with skate clinics, demos, activities and community giveaways
Celebrate the new Korumburra Railway Precinct skatepark on Friday, 13 March, 3.30pm, with skate clinics, demonstrations, group activities, and giveaways for skateboarders, roller skaters, scooter, and bike riders. - Danny O'Brien urges Labor government to fund new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel for community safety
Danny O'Brien urges the Allan Labor government to urgently fund a new $2 million vessel for Port Welshpool Coastguard, ensuring volunteers can safely cover Corner Inlet, Wilsons Promontory, and protect locals. - Kay Street Car Park construction progressing smoothly, delivering major new parking capacity for Traralgon CBD by 2026
Construction of Traralgon’s five-level Kay Street Car Park is progressing on schedule for mid-2026, delivering 430 new CBD spaces and supporting local businesses, accessibility, and future regional growth. - Six-year Thurra River campground closure triggers renewed demands for urgent government action before summer
Tim Bull says East Gippslanders face another summer without Thurra River’s main campground, urging the Minister to expedite long-delayed approvals after six years, stressing local businesses rely on its reopening. - Omeo celebrates opening of 114 km world-class mountain bike park set to transform regional adventure tourism
Omeo has opened a $10 million, 114-kilometre mountain bike park, boosting tourism, supporting local businesses, and celebrating new streetscape and flood-recovery works that strengthen the town’s recreation spaces and future growth.
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