Quick Uptake As Gong Goes Green

Sun Herald

Sunday March 30, 2008

By Lisa Carty STATE POLITICAL REPORTER

AT LAST there's good news for Wollongong - the city's teaching the rest of the state a thing or two about going green.

After the corruption scandal and council sacking, figures from the NSW Government's $340million Climate Change Fund show Wollongong now has reason to be proud.

The city topped the state in claiming rebates for water tank installations and came equal first (with Port Macquarie-Hastings) in claims for solar hot water systems.

It came in fourth with claims for insulation, after Sutherland and Newcastle (equal first) and Lake Macquarie.

Single mum Annette Bowen, of Keiraville, said the $600 NSW Government rebate on her $3000 solar hot water system - coupled with a similar Federal Government grant - made her green dream possible.

Her old electric hot water system had been due to be replaced but she could not have afforded the solar option without the rebates, she said.

"It made all the difference to me," she said.

"Next, I am going to get insulation - after I get the possum out of the roof - and a water tank."

Climate Change and Environment Minister, Verity Firth said almost 16,000 NSW households had received Climate Change Fund rebates totalling about $7.5million since July1.

The fund also pays rebates for installing or improving insulation (up to $300) and installing rainwater tanks (up to $1500).

The $1500 rainwater tank rebate followed the Government's earlier rebate scheme of up to $800 which commenced in 2002 and has seen almost 40,000 rainwater tank rebates paid.

Ms Firth said she was thrilled by the enthusiastic take-up of the rebates.

For more information, see www.environment.nsw.gov.au/rebates or phone 1300361967.

© 2008 Sun Herald

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