Qld Govt slow to address water crisis: Opposition ...

Excerpt from ABC News:

Qld Govt slow to address water crisis: Opposition

12 June 2006

The Queensland Opposition says an incentives scheme for water saving devices should have been introduced more than a year ago.

Premier Peter Beattie yesterday announced an extra $67 million in rebates for rainwater tanks, dual flush toilets and water efficient washing machines.

The Premier also yesterday announced $10 million to build a new water research facility at Griffith University on the Gold Coast.

"We'll provide incentives for people to reduce the amount of water that they're using," Mr Beattie said.

"There'll be $150 for dual flush toilets, including installation. There'll be $500 installation for grey water recycling systems. There'll be $1,000 for rainwater tank installations on minimum-sized tanks."

Level three water restrictions take effect in the south-east from tomorrow, but the rebates will not be available until July 1.

But Liberal leader Bob Quinn says the Government should have acted sooner.

"Something that should have happened 12 to 18 months ago when this was on the horizon," he said.

"We see a Premier and an ALP Government that's moving desperately at the very last moment to do something about conserving water in the south-east corner."

Source - ABC News - Qld Govt slow to address water crisis: Opposition.