Water Smart Package proves a big hit with residents
Date published: 26 September 2019
Townsville’s Water Smart Package is proving a runaway success with almost 19,000 households registering for water smart devices and services in just eight weeks.
The $10 million Townsville City Council campaign, funded by the State Government, is also injecting $8 million directly into local business and creating 100 direct and indirect jobs.
Acting Mayor Cr Les Walker said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.
“The uptake by residents has been fantastic. We’re now at the point where 90% of the of the funds have been allocated in rebates and garden support packages in just over two months,” Cr Walker said.
“This has been one of the most successful grass roots community campaigns we have seen in many years.
“Through the rebates on offer, thousands of water smart devices and services have been dispensed to households right across the city.
“It’s great for the city and great for local businesses who have been supplying the products and services.
“The council team have done a great job implementing the Water Smart Package and spreading the word across Townsville.
“Now that the Water Smart Program is so far advanced, we are already gearing up for the next phase of the campaign which will focus on working with the community to drive water efficient behaviour and practices in the city.”
The educational campaign, being developed with local company AEC, will roll out to spread key tips on long-term water-saving practices.
Townsville locals, suppliers, TCC, industry experts and high-profile landscaping personality Jamie Durie will feature in educational and fun videos, and promotional material across the city.
The Water Smart Program is part of the city’s 3-point water security solution along with the water pipeline and the Recycled Water Re-use Scheme, which is injecting hundreds of millions of dollars into the local economy.
Work laying the water pipeline will be 50% complete by the end of this month, providing work for 150 businesses and jobs for over 900 people.
The recycled water project is also progressing quickly and remains on track for a majority of the 24 km of pipeline to be installed by early next year.
When completed the recycled water scheme will produce 15 megalitres of recycled water each day for use by industry, and for irrigation of sporting fields on the southern side of the city.
