Businesses get call on Water Smart initiative

TOWNSVILLE businesses are being urged to tap into the city’s $10 million Water Smart Package with suppliers being sought for products to reduce water use in gardens.

The State Governmentfunded package provides $300, $500 and $1000 – in either vouchers or rebates – to homeowners and renters to lower the cost of reducing water use in gardens and buy water-efficient appliances.

Townsville City Council has recommenced the tender to find local suppliers for compost bins and worm farms, mulch delivery, waterwise plants and irrigation system optimisation and repairs.

Acting Mayor Les Walker encouraged local businesses to get involved and take advantage of the flow-on benefits.

“The Water Smart Package is great for residents but it’s also a huge opportunity for local businesses,” he said.

“Council wants to encour- age anyone that is involved with a business that provides these products and services to get involved in the tender.

“By providing financial incentives … we can also make a big splash in our economy.”

The package is funded by the Queensland Government as part of a $225 million grant to improve water security for Townsville.

Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper said the initiative showed the investment in Townsville’s water security extended beyond the anticipated Haughton Pipeline Duplication.

“The Smart Water Package is just another way Townsville residents can boost their back pocket and conserve water,” he said.

Cr Walker said the Water Smart Package was a key plank of the council’s threepoint water security solution.

Go to tenderlink.com/ townsville for information.