Local businesses urged to tap into Water Smart Package
Date published: 14 January 2019
Townsville City Council is calling on local businesses to tap into the State Government-funded $10 million Water Smart Package.
The Water Smart Package provides $300, $500 and $1000 – in either vouchers or rebates – to homeowners and renters, low-income residents and body corporates to reduce the cost of reducing water use in gardens and buying water-efficient appliances.
Council has re-commenced the tender to find local suppliers for compost bins and worm farms, mulch delivery, water wise plants and irrigation system optimisation and repairs.
Acting Mayor Les Walker encouraged local businesses to get involved and take advantage of the flow-on benefits of the Water Smart Package.
“The Water Smart Package is great for residents but it’s also a huge opportunity for local businesses,” Cr Walker said.
“Council wants to encourage anyone that is involved with a business that provides these products and services to get involved in the tender.
“By providing financial incentives to make our properties more water efficient we can also make a big splash in our economy.”
Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said it was fantastic to see the wider flow-on effects of the Palaszczuk Government’s funding for Townsville’s water security.
“The $225 million investment by the Queensland Government for water security now and into the future for Townsville is not just about building a pipeline; it’s about building the community, creating employment opportunities and investing in Queenslanders and local businesses,” Mr Harper said.
“The Smart Water Package is just another way Townsville residents can boost their back pocket and conserve water.”
Cr Walker said the Water Smart Package was a key plank of Council’s 3-point water security solution.
“The pipeline is well underway and on track to be finished in December, the recycled water re-use scheme is progressing well and the Water Smart Package will be rolled out in a couple of months,” Cr Walker said.
“Council is totally committed to delivering long-term water security for our city.”
Council’s 3-point water security solution includes:
- The new 1.8-metre diameter pipeline
- A recycled water scheme for community spaces and industrial use
- Water Smart Package
The $10 million Water Smart Package is funded from the Queensland Government’s $225 million investment in water security in Townsville.
