Media
release - 2 October 2008 - Existing price
paths for rural water in the Murray-Darling
Basin will remain in place until their expiry
dates as new water charge rules come into
effect, Minister for Climate Change and
Water, Senator Penny Wong, announced today.
"The Government
has agreed that the price paths in force
when the new water charge rules come into
effect will be respected until their expiry
date," Senator Wong said.
"This will provide
certainty to farmers and businesses and
assist in a smooth transition from current
to new pricing arrangements."
Water price paths are
water charges approved by governments or
their regulatory authorities and generally
apply over three to five years.
The decision applies
to the following price paths set by Basin
State regulators or clearly agreed government
policy:
Queensland (SunWater)
- 1 July 2006 to 30 June 2011
New South Wales (State Water) - 1 Oct 2006
to 30 Jun 2010
Victoria (Goulburn-Murray Water, Grampians
Wimmera-Mallee Water, Lower Murray Wate
and Coliban Water) - 1 July 2008 to 30 June
2013r
Under the Water Act 2007, the Australian
Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)
is developing advice for the Minister’s
consideration on water charge rules to apply
in the Murray- Darling Basin.
"The water charge
rules, to be applied consistently across
the Basin, will help water markets work
more efficiently and help ensure sustainable
use of water," Senator Wong said.
"This is in line
with a key priority under the Rudd Government's
long-term Water for the Future plan: using
water wisely." The ACCC this week released
its position paper on the water charge rules.
It is scheduled to provide its advice to
the Minister by June 2009.
The rules will apply
to 'regulated water charges' such as fees
or charges payable to irrigation infrastructure
operators, bulk water providers and water
planning and management service providers.
The water charge rules
will also provide for the ACCC, or state
agencies that it accredits, to approve or
set such fees and charges.
+ More
Grants for surf lifesaving
clubs to save water
Media release - 1 October
2008 - The Australian Government will make
available grants of up to $10,000 to surf
lifesaving clubs to install water saving
and efficiency devices on club premises.
Minister for Climate
Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong, today
launched the surf lifesaving club component
of the $250 million National Rainwater and
Greywater Initiative during a visit to Ocean
Grove in Victoria.
"This program delivers
on an election commitment to support water
efficiency in Australia's surf lifesaving
clubs," Senator Wong said.
"Surf lifesaving
clubs are iconic features along Australia's
coastline and play a role in the summer
holidays of thousands of Australians.
"Through the National
Rainwater and Greywater Initiative, we are
providing up to $10,000 per club to install
water saving and water efficient devices."
Member for Corangamite,
Darren Cheeseman, said surf lifesaving clubs
could help increase awareness of practical
measures people could use to save water
in their homes and workplaces.
"We hope that Surf
Life Saving Australia members as well as
other beachgoers will see and use this infrastructure
and feel inspired to adopt similar measures
at home and at work."
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, downpipes and other
materials, provided these are for the new
tank.
Funding will also be
considered for water efficient or water
saving devices such as taps, toilets, urinals
and showers. 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.
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.
"A key priority
under Water for the Future is the need to
use water wisely and community groups such
as Surf Life Saving Australia have an important
role to play in improving water efficiency
and adapting to climate change," Senator
Wong said.
To apply for a grant,
clubs may contact Surf Life Saving Australia
by emailing watersavings@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
