Media Release
Infrastructure First
14 November 2005
National plan on rainwater tank provision needed
A national plan for the installation of rainwater tanks in Australian homes would put back the need for new dams by up to 80 years, a senior executive of one of Australia's major companies says. The President of BlueScope Water, Col Weatherstone said the answer to Australia's water needs for most of this century is falling into our backyards and washing away down the drain. "The installation of 5000-litre rainwate r tanks for hot water, toilet, laundry and outdoor use at an installation rate of between one and two percent of households per annum will significantly defer the need for augmentation projects, such as new dams," he said.
"It will harvest water that is currently just running off into drains and by avoiding projects such as increased pumping from rivers or new dams, will lower greenhouse gas emissions. "In addition, the water supply chain is streamlined - with more water being stored on site the costs of transport are significantly reduced."
On Tuesday 15 November, Mr Weatherstone will address a session of Infrastructure First, a group of community leaders, businesspeople and academics concerned over the failure of governments to supply and maintain Australia's infrastructure needs. Mr Weatherstone will report that Australians are already embracing water conservation.
"In 2004 more than 90 per cent of those surveyed reported taking conservation measures in the garden and 46 per cent reported saving water in and around the dwelling," he said. "Many Australians already have expe rience of rainwater tanks - 17 per cent of households used water from that source in 2004."
However, any significant increase in this figure will need the right economic incentives. These could include:
*Reducing water supply charges to customers who install rainwater harvesting equipment
*Mandating rainwater harvesting in legislation or town planning regulations. *Increasing the price of water provided through current infrastructure. *Increasing government rebates to homeowners installing rainwater tanks.
Mr Weatherstone said that as well as meeting the water needs of households across Australia, water harvesting would result in systems being developed that could be sold to other countries struggling to meet water demands.
Further information: Peter Grigg (Infrastructure First Chairman) 0419 436 923
Media enquires to contact speakers: Amanda Cenin 0407 047 353
