Page 6203 - Week 14 - Thursday, 9 December 2010
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(1) The proposed IrrigationSmart program was trialled in a pilot in 2009-10, which targeted 200 households. 210 households received the service as part of the pilot.
The estimated take-up of the IrrigationSmart program in 2010-11 is 400; however, these estimates are subject to final program design. Like other behavioural programs the estimates of take-up rates are not targets but an upper limit based on funding available. Take- up rate is dependent on consumer behaviour and perceptions which in turn are influenced by economic conditions and weather. The only influence that the program manager can have on take-up rate is through promotion and awareness raising, which DECCEW undertakes for its programs.
(2) Pending engagement of a suitable service contractor to deliver the 2010-11 program, the service is expected to commence in first quarter 2011. The program is expected to achieve the estimated take-up.
(3) The budget for the IrrigationSmart Program in 2010-11 is $217,700.
Water—rainwater tank rebate program
(Question No 1232)
Mrs Dunne asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Water, upon notice, on 18 November 2010:
(1) What was the target number of rebates under the Rainwater Tank Rebate program.
(2) Is the program on track to achieve that target; if not, why not.
(3) What is the budget for the program.
(4) What are the (a) environmental, (b) social and (c) economic benefits of using domestic rainwater tanks.
Mr Corbell: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
(1) An estimated 260 rebates @ $1,000 GST exclusive. Final possible rebate numbers are determined by the size of tanks installed which determines the rebate amount claimed. Rebate amounts vary from $600.00 (internal connection only rebate) to $1,000.00 (9,000 litre or greater tanks with internal connection).
(2) The program is currently on track to achieve this number.
(3) The 2010/11 Rainwater Tank Rebate program budget is $330,000 GST exclusive.
(4) (a) environmental benefits
Rainwater tanks can make an important contribution towards reducing the demand on dam storages. Tanks also contribute to protecting the environment by reducing the initial un-naturally high volume of runoff from house roofs that would be absorbed by vegetation and the ground in a natural environment. That initial flush also often contains high levels of nutrients and creates high levels of sediment movement. Tanks also reduce the amount of storm water runoff that reaches our creeks and rivers, where it can cause flooding, erosion and sedimentation.
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