Make the most of Government rebates

In conjunction with federal rebates, Australian residents are eligible for other financial subsidies provided by their state and local governments as well. By doing a bit of research into what your state and local government can do for you, you can not only help save the environment, but save money at the same time.
 
Water conservation due to generally dry Australian climate is becoming a staple part of the Australian lifestyle as we have to learn to live with drought being a constant occurrence. In a bid to promote better water management throughout households, SA and NSW are providing their residents with washing machine and other white-good cash backs. This means that eligible applicants can receive a reimbursement of up to $200 for investing in water efficient washing machines and white goods with a minimum of 4.5 star rating. Victoria on the other hand has a rebate of a different kind.

Middle and low income home owners are eligible to benefit from a no interest loan of $800 to $1,200 to make the purchase of more water and energy efficient white goods. This is a great way for low and middle income earners to make that first cost efficient step in an environmental direction.

Bathrooms are also one of the household’s major water wastage centres. For toilets, a single flush cistern uses 9 to 11 litres per flush as apposed to a dual flush which uses 3 to 6 litres. SA, VIC, NT and the ACT all provide rebates for the purchase of more water efficient toilets. Here, up to $898 can be awarded to applicants to replace single flush toilets with 4-star, water efficient dual flush toilets.
 
Showers also have the potential to waste copious amounts of water: an older style shower rose uses approximately 19 litres per minute. On the flip side, water efficient shower heads can reduce your water usage from between 5 and 7 litres per minute. SA, VIC and the NT residents are able to maximise subsidies of up to $50 to upgrade shower heads. In NSW you can register for a free water saving kit with fittings for your taps and showerheads through Sydney Water.
 
A garden sprinkler uses approximately 1000 litres of water an hour. So taking advantage of cash backs for water-saving products and equipment for the garden is also a great way for residents to become more sustainable in their use of water outside. SA, NT and the ACT are reimbursing their residents up to $1,000 for various water saving devices and tools for the home and garden.
 
Why waste the grey when you could fit a water tank and connect it to your garden, toilet and washing machine! By capturing rainwater run-off from your roof, rainwater tanks can provide a valuable water source that can save home owners money, help the environment and conserve water. In all states excluding WA, eligible residents have the opportunity to take advantage of rebates of up to $1,500 for the installation of eligible rainwater tanks with an internal plumbing connection to inside the home. Also remember that saving litres saves you on your yearly water bills as well!
 
The initial steps to being more efficient in energy and water usage within the home are expensive ones.

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