05 October 2008
Peter Garrett AM
Federal Member for Kingsford Smith
Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts
The Australian Government announced this week it will make available
grants of up to $10,000 to Australia’s surf life saving clubs to
install water saving and efficiency devices on club premises.
At Maroubra Beach for the opening of the surf life saving season, Peter
Garrett encouraged the clubs in the Kingsford Smith to apply for the
government grants.
“This funding is from the surf life saving component of the $250
million National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative,” Mr Garrett said.
“Surf life saving clubs are highly visible community facilities.
Thousands of people congregate near them every summer when they visit
the beach.
“I encouraged the clubs in my electorate to take advantage of this
opportunity to apply for funding of up to $10,000 to install water
saving and water efficient devices.
“The type of activities eligible for funding include installation of
new rainwater tanks connected to club premises so that they can be used
for toilet flushing and/or laundry use. Clubs can claim funding for
plumbing, guttering, down pipes and other materials provided these are
for the new tank.
“Funding for water efficient or water saving devices such as taps,
toilets, urinals and showers will also be considered. Showers and
urinals must have a three star rating under the Water Efficiency
Labelling Standards Scheme and toilets and taps must have a four star
rating.
“This program delivers on our election commitment to support water
efficiency in Australia’s surf life saving clubs,” Mr Garrett said.
The National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative forms part of the
Australian Government’s $12.9 billion Water for the Future program
which aims to secure our long-term water supplies.
To apply for a grant, clubs should contact Surf Life Saving Australia
by emailing watersaving@slsa.asn.au or telephoning 02 9300 4000.
For more information, including guidelines and application form visit Surf Life Saving Australia’s website: www.slsa.com.au.