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Federal Government Insulation Rebate not to be re-introduced
The Federal Government has announced that it will not be continuing with the $1000 insulation rebate, which was to be reintroduced as of the 1st June 2010. This is in line with recommendations after the review of the initial insulation package which was discontinued earlier this year amidst concerns regarding the safety of the implementation of the program. Instead, the Federal Government has announced that it will use funds budgeted for the reintroduction of the program to conduct inspections on insulation already installed under the program. More information can be found at
www.climatechange.gov.au/minister/combet/2010/media-releases/April/mr20100422.aspx
NEW Queensland Government Solar and Heat Pump Hot Water Rebate
The Queensland Government has announced the introduction of a $600* Solar Hot Water Rebate program, available for all eligible households with compliant systems installed after the 13 April 2010. This rebate replaces the Solar Hot Water Program, and is additional to the Federal Goverment Hot Water Rebate of $1000 for Solar Hot Water systems and $600 for Heat Pump Hot Water systems.
* ($600 standard rebate, $1000 concession rebate for eligible pensioners and low income earners). More information can be found at www.cleanenergy.qld.gov.au/queensland_solar_hot_water_program.cfm
Updates to Green Loans and Rebates Programs
As of February 19th 2010, the Federal Government has announced changes to the Green Loans Program, as well as to the available rebates. The loan component of the program is no longer available, however, free sustainability assessments are still being offered.
More information can be found at http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/garrett/2010/mr20100219.html
Federal Government Green Start Program
Green Start is a $130 million initiative introduced on the 30th November 2009 to help improve the energy and water efficiency of low income and disadvantaged households. Taking advantage of the program will help households respond to rising energy and water costs and the impacts of climate change.
More information can be found at http://www.environment.gov.au/sustainability/greenstart/index.html
Free housing sustainability assessments now available
The Federal Government Green Loans program has now commenced with Free Sustainability Assessments with the option of accessing up to $10K in low or interest free loans to implement suggested changes.
For more information contact 07 4038 3558.
6 Star Energy Efficiency Ratings to be introduced in April 2010
These will be introduced next year for all new housing and renovations.
Section J Commercial Assessments now available
These assessments are now available. Click here for more details.
New Solar Credits scheme now available for PV Cells
The SHCP government $8000 rebate has now ended. This has been replaced by the Solar Credits scheme and is no longer be means tested meaning that it is available for more householders. Purchasers will receive Solar Credits to assist with the upfront cost of installing the systems (up to 5 times the credits actually generated).
The new scheme will result in a reduction in rebate from $2000 - $4000, but will be open to more people including schools and small businesses. Please contact us for more information.
Free Climate Smart Home Service for QLD residents
www.climatesmarthome.com/home_service.html
The Queensland Government has this service available for $50, which includes an energy monitor, 15 CFL bulbs and a water saving shower head for your home.
5 Star Energy Efficiency Rating implemented on 1st March 2009
New homes and renovations will now have to comply with the 5 Star Rating for energy efficiency. These assessments are performed using BERS Pro Software. Discounts are available to existing clients including project builders to increase the star rating of their current plans.
There are also changes to the QLD Development code in relation to water saving devices and energy efficient lighting. Please see the section on Energy Ratings - Residential Construction or our newsletter for more information.
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