Page 2277 - Week 06 - Wednesday, 22 June 2011
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MS BURCH: I again thank Dr Bourke for the question. It is good to you here, Dr Bourke. There are a range of options currently under consideration to ensure the best outcomes to improve energy efficiency and to reduce the cost of living for our tenants. It is important to note that in order to best utilise the funds, some assumptions have been made. These are that we have close to 12,000 properties in our stock and around 640 properties were constructed post 2001. So energy efficiency measures to a minimum three-star energy rating are in most cases included.
With approximately 3,100 properties already benefiting from some form of energy efficiency work, that leaves approximately 7,900 properties remaining that could benefit from an additional energy efficiency program.
With the additional $2 million, there is potential to increase the numbers. For example, for solar hot-water systems, whether gas or electric, we installed 131 last year. This could rise to the potential of 300. Wall insulation could increase from 68 properties to 150 properties in 2011-12. However, to ensure the best possible outcomes and the best use of funds, Housing and Community Services is working with total facilities managers Spotless to consider the viability of additional innovative energy efficiency strategies.
Some of these measures include energy efficient lighting to complexes, window film, eglass, double glazing, underfloor insulation, photovoltaic cells, gas connection and conversion to gas appliances, heat transfer systems, compulsory replacement of slow combustion heaters and thermally efficient carpet, while additional cost-effective measures are being considered to ensure improved energy outcomes the property portfolio and reducing costs to tenants.
MS BRESNAN: A supplementary.
MR SPEAKER: Thank you, Ms Bresnan.
MS BRESNAN: Thank you, Mr Speaker. Minister, are you committed to maintaining current levels of funding for energy efficiency measures, including the $2 million you mentioned, which was an agreement item with the Greens, as is the 10 per cent of public housing stock?
MS BURCH: We have committed to providing all the support we can to our tenants, including energy efficiency measures.
Ms Gallagher: I ask that all further questions be placed on the notice paper.
Supplementary answers to questions without notice
Housing—affordability
MR BARR: I have been doing some research following on from a couple of questions asked of me by Ms Hunter and Ms Bresnan. I will go to Ms Bresnan’s question first in relation to the OwnPlace program. I can advise that 454 blocks were taken up by the OwnPlace panel. As of 15 June, 211 had been completed; 36 are
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