Return of water tank rebates makes a splash in Western Downs community

Published on 04 October 2023

Western Downs Regional Council is supporting community resilience by offering a significant rebate to residents looking to install a rainwater tank on their property.

Council’s rainwater tank subsidy scheme has opened applications for the year, as part of a common-sense plan to boost resilience and strengthen the region's water security.  

Council Spokesperson for Utilities Councillor Peter Saxelby said the popular incentive would help ease pressures on water storage while offering benefits to the individual household and the wider region.  

"Council is focused on sustainable planning for the future, and supporting residents to install rainwater tanks on their properties is a simple and effective way to boost resilience across the Western Downs,” Cr Saxelby said.

"We know long-term water availability is a concern for many areas, and our region is not immune to these challenges, which is why this popular subsidy scheme was incorporated in the $12.6 million budget inclusion to improve the region's long-term water security, an investment that will also see to region-wide water infrastructure upgrades and improvements.

“With 429 tank rebates allocated as of June 2023, we have significantly reduced the reliance on town water supply by increasing the local water storage capacity across the region by over seven million litres. The scheme also supports local jobs by providing business to the region's tank manufacturers and installers, boosting the economy.

"Council is proud to be delivering this initiative once again to continue these efforts, and I would strongly encourage our residents to get on board and take advantage of what this has to offer."

The rebate amount varies between $500 and $2,000 depending on the size of tank purchased and if the tank is to be installed in one of Council's potable or non-potable water networks.

This scheme also continues to support residents in non-potable areas of the region, with them being eligible for the $2,000 rebate when installing tanks with a 40,000 litre capacity or more.

The rebate applies to new tanks only, and will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis. The rebate is available through a pre-approval process and reimbursed when proof of purchase is provided. Council will also attend the property to ensure the tank is fully installed and operational. 

To find out more about Council's water tank rebate scheme, visit the Council website via www.wdrc.qld.gov.au/water-tank-rebate

More information:

*This grant is only available to residents connected to Council's non-potable water supply schemes.

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