Government Rebates

There are a range of rebate programs available. Use the links below to find out more:

• National Programs
• NSW Programs
• QLD Programs
• VIC Programs

National Programs

• The Federal Government has announced The National Rainwater and Grey Water Initiative which offers householders up to $500 towards a new rainwater tank, purchased after 30 January 2009.
• Rebates are available for the installation of a new rainwater tank which is connected for internal use of the toilet and/or washing machine.

How much is the rebate?

Do I qualify for the rebate?

• You must be the owner of the dwelling where the rainwater tank has been installed, and be the purchaser of the rainwater tank.
• You must submit the completed application form and a copy of the proof of purchase (i.e. a receipt) within six (6) months of the date of purchase of the rainwater tank.
• The dwelling where the rainwater tank has been installed must be an existing dwelling (not under construction), not have had a rebate claimed through this program before and be connected to mains water supply.
• The rainwater tank must be installed by a licensed plumber, be brand new and purchased after 30 January 2009, hold at least 2,000 litres of rain water, be plumbed in to the toilet and/or washing machine and be fully operational, and meet relevant standards and government requirements such as local building restrictions and regulations.

How do I claim it?

• To claim a rebate you must agree to the terms and conditions, then complete, sign and submit an application form with a copy of proof of purchase for the rainwater tank.
• A licensed plumber is required to install the rainwater tank, and must certify the following on the application form: Size of the tank, that the rainwater tank meets all relevant standards and government requirements, and that the rainwater tank is plumbed in and fully operational.
• Applicants are required to provide evidence to support claims made on the application form if requested. The Department will conduct a random audit of eligibility for rebate recipients.

Completed application forms should be sent to:

Household Rainwater/GreywaterRebate

Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts

GPO Box 787

Canberra ACT 2601

How long does it take?

• You should allow eight weeks for your application to be processed.

More information?

Visit http://www.environment.gov.au/water/programs/nrgi/index.html

Please note: You may also be eligible for a State or Local Government rebate.

NSW Programs

NSW Government Rainwater Tank Rebate

• The tank(s) must have a minimum 2,000 litre capacity and be purchased in full and installed between 1 July 2007 and 30 June 2011 inclusive.
• Rainwater tanks installed to comply with BASIX (the Building Sustainability Index) for new homes, major renovations or a pool installation are not eligible for a rebate.

Do I qualify for the rebate?

• The NSW Rainwater Tank Rebate is available for the installation of any new rainwater storage system in a residential property. It must have a minimum capacity of 2000 litres and be purchased in full and installed between 1 July 2007 and 30 June 2011.
• Households not connected to the town water supply are eligible for a rebate for the purchase of the tank only.
• Rainwater tanks installed to comply with BASIX (the Building Sustainability Index) for new homes, major renovations or a pool installation are not eligible for a rebate.
• If you install more than one tank, it is the combined size that counts.

How do I claim it?

• Read and agree to the terms and conditions.
• Complete and sign the Rainwater Tank Rebate application form.
• If plumbing work was done, have your plumber complete the relevant section of the application form.
• Attach a copy of receipt(s) demonstrating proof of payment and installation, and clearly indicate payment has been made in full.
• Send your completed form and a copy of receipt(s) to:

NSW Home Saver Rebates - Rainwater Tank

PO Box A290

Sydney South NSW 1232

Note: If you are a Sydney or Hunter Water customer, or live on the Central Coast, you will need to apply with a Sydney or Hunter Water, or Central Coast application form and send to the relevant address.

How long does it take?

The Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW will acknowledge receipt of your application and provide an estimated turnaround time. Most rebate payments will be made within 60 days of receiving your completed application form and a copy of your receipt(s), subject to verification of your application details. You can elect to have your rebate directly deposited into your nominated bank account or posted to you as a cheque.

More information?

Visit http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/rebates/ccfrtw.htm

Local Council Water Smart Gardens & Home Rebate Scheme

Plesae note: contact your local council for rates available in your area.

• Lane Cove

• Lithgow

• Marrickville

• Yass

QLD Programs

There are currently no QLD State Government rebate programs. However, please check with your local council for rebates available in your area.

You may also be eligible for the Federal Government's National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative. Visit http://www.environment.gov.au/water/programs/nrgi/index.html for further details.

VIC Programs

• Households purchasing and installing a water tank in Victoria  from 1 January 2007 to 30 June 2011 are now eligible for a rebate of up to $1000.

Do I qualify for a rebate?

• Residential customers whose property is connected to an urban reticulated water supply and who have an account with a Victorian urban water supplier are eligible for a rebate upon meeting the following requirements.
• Small Tank Rebate 1: Rainwater tank must be a minimum size of 600 litres which collects rainwater for use outside your home only. Connection of an existing tank to toilet is also eligible for a $150 rebate if connected by a licensed plumber. Tanks must be installed by a licensed plumber and a PIC certificate included if product and associated plumbing installation costs exceed $750.
• Large Tank Rebate 2: Rainwater tank must be a minimum size of 2,000 litres, be purchased after 1 July 2009, and connections to toilet and/or laundry made at time of installation. Must be installed by a licensed plumber and a PIC certificate included with application.
• Tanks connected to new houses that received a building permit for the house after 30 June 2005 are not eligible for a rebate.

How do I claim it?

• Apply to your water supplier on an application form, or obtain an application form from your local hardware, plumbing supplies, garden retailer, or local water supplier.
• Where your rainwater tank has been internally connected to the toilet and/or washing machine, you must obtain a PIC certificate from the plumber.
• Attach the original product receipt(s), plumber's receipt and PIC certificate (where required) to the application form, and mail to your local water retailer before 30 September 2011.

How long does it take?

The rebate for most products will be provided as a credit on your next water bill(s). Where the rebate is $500 or more, payment may be requested by cheque or Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) by filling in the relevant details on the claim form. These payments may take around 10-12 weeks to process.

More information?

Visit www.ourwater.vic.gov.au

Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, please check with your water supplier or local government before lodging a claim.