Guidelines

Guidelines

Part of Townsville City Council’s3-point water security solution

Guidelines

The Water Smart Package commenced on 15 July 2019. The Package is one part of Townsville City Council’s 3-point water security solution which includes:

The new 1.8 metre diameter pipeline

A recycled water re-use system for public greenspaces and industrial use

The Water Smart Package.

The Water Smart Package is open to all homeowners, renters and body corporates and provides vouchers or rebates for water efficient products and services.

The Package is funded with $10 million from the Queensland Government.

This document contains the guidelines for accessing the program including eligibility criteria for each component, product specifications, terms and conditions and frequently asked questions.

1. Who is eligible for the Water Smart Package?

Residential households, tenants (with landlord's permission) and body corporates are eligible. Each dwelling is eligible for accessing the Water Smart Package once – either through the Garden Support Package or the Water Savings Devices Rebate.

The Package is on a first come, first served basis and will be closed once the budget has been expended.

Owners of residential households are eligible to apply at their specified property for the Garden Support Package or the Water Saving Devices Rebate, regardless of whether the property is owned in full or partially.

Any owner that owns multiple properties within the Townsville Local Government Area, would only be able to apply for one property. However, as we wish to encourage as many households to get involved in the program as possible, if a property owner wished for one or more of their rental properties to participate in the program, they can do so as long as their tenant is the one to apply for the program.

Tenants of rental properties are eligible to apply with appropriate permission from their landlord or property manager. At the time of registering for the program you will be asked to provide your property manager or landlord’s name and contact details so that we can contact them to make sure they have given their consent.

Body corporates eligible to apply for the program are those that are defined as a body corporate under the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997 for a community titles scheme.

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Guidelines

2. How can I register?Registration can be made online through a web portal at watersmart.townsville.qld.gov.au, in person at Council’s Customer Service Centre’s or Libraries. Registration is limited to one Water Smart Package per household.

3. What is the process?

Go to watersmart.townsville.qld.gov.au, call 13 48 10 orvisit Townsville City Council customer service centres and libraries to register

Select either Garden Support Package or Water Savings Device Rebate

GARDEN SUPPORT PACKAGEFill in your personal details and

select the garden support package you are after - automatic or

manual watering

Select the products you want in your garden support package up to the value of either $300

or $500 (community entitled to support services, disability, DVA or pensioner only).

An email confirmation of your order will be sent to you that will outline where you can collect your products

from and/or which service provider will contact you to arrange a time to organise any services selected.

Take a copy of your order, photo ID and proof of address to each of the product suppliers to

collect your orders. You will not be required to hand over any cash when doing so.

To complete the process, when collecting your goods, or receiving services, you will be asked to sign that you have received them.

If you are renting, make sure you have approval from your landlord/property manager

when you register for the Water Smart Package

WATER SAVINGS DEVICE REBATEFill in your personal details and

select the items you intend purchasing from the Class A, B

and/or C products list

Select “Complete your order”

An email confirmation of your order will be sent to you which will form the basis of your

application form to get your rebate back once you have purchased the product.

Purchase your water wise products from any retailer of your choosing as long as the

products selected are the same as the category you registered for. Keep your receipts.

Complete your application form and send it into Council via email or post along with your receipts or

bring them in to one of our customer service locations.

Council will refund your rebate to your designated bank account or by cheque.

Select “Complete your order”

Guidelines

4. Who is eligible for the $500 per household?

Households in the Townsville Local Government area that receive social service payments through the Aged Pension, Disability Support Pension, Family Tax Benefit A, Department of Veterans Affairs or Newstart Allowance will be eligible to receive the $500 amount.

When registering online through the Water Smart Package web portal you will be requested to provide your concession number provided to you by Centrelink into the web portal. Townsville City Council has an existing link to the Centrelinks CCeS system, a secure online service that provides confirmation of your entitlement to a concession card status. This electronic link protects your personal information and only provides the minimum amount of customer information required for confirmation of eligibility for a concession.

If you do not wish to provide these details when registering through the web portal you may only be eligible to receive the $300 amount.

5. Who is eligible for the $300 per household?

Any residential dwelling (all attached and semi-detached dwellings including houses, townhouses, apartments, and units) in the Townsville Local Government Area are eligible to apply.

As the Water Smart Package has a limited budget, the program is being offered on a first come, first served basis.

Each dwelling can only be claimed once under the Water Smart Package, either for the Garden Support Package or the Water Saving Devices Rebates.

You must register for your rebate on the Water Smart Package web portal before products are purchased, otherwise you will not be eligible for the rebate.

Guidelines

The Package is funded with $10 million from the

Queensland Government.

Guidelines

6. What are the different packages on offer under the Water Smart Package?

Garden Support Package – Automatic Waterers

The Garden Support Package will provide a range of products and services for your garden, which requires no cash outlay. The value of your selections can add up to either $300 or $500 depending on your eligibility (see question 2 above).

An automatic waterer is someone who waters their garden using sprinkler systems with automatic controllers and/or drip irrigation.

The options available for the Garden Support Package – Automatic Waterers are:- Irrigation optimisation, leak detection and repair service • Please note, before an irrigation optimisation

service can go ahead, you must have a back flow prevention device installed (unless irrigating with an independent water supply, eg. bore).

- Lawn care package (containing a range of products to assist your lawn in becoming more water wise)

- Up to 20 water wise tube stock plants- Mulch delivery- Mulch delivery and spread (only available to

community entitled to support services, disability or pensioner)

- A compost bin (tumbler, tower or indoor bin) or worm farm (2 or 3 tray)

While you will be eligible to choose a selection of products and services from this list that add up to a collective amount of $300 or $500, if you wish to only choose one product because it is all you need or want, you will be able to do so when you register through the web portal. You will not be able to come back later and choose further items – once you place your order, this is all you are eligible to receive.

Garden Support Package – Manual Waterers

The Garden Support Package will provide a range of products and services for your garden which requires no cash outlay. The value of your selections can add up to either $300 or $500 depending on your eligibility (see question 2 above).

A manual waterer is someone who waters their garden using a garden hose, watering can or a hose-end sprinkler.

The options available for the Garden Support Package – Manual Waterers are:- Low flow sprinkler and tap timer (up to 2 per

household)- Lawn care package (containing a range of

products to assist your lawn in becoming more water wise)

- Up to 30 water wise tube stock plants- Mulch delivery- Mulch delivery and spread (only available to

community entitled to support services, disability or pensioner)

- A compost bin (tumbler, tower or indoor bin) or worm farm (2 or 3 tray)

While you will be eligible to choose a selection of products and services from this list that add up to a collective amount of $300 or $500, if you wish to only choose one product because it is all you need or want, you will be able to do so when you register through the web portal. You will not be able to come back later and choose further items – once you place your order, this is all you are eligible to receive.

Water Saving Devices Rebate - Residential

The Water Saving Devices Rebate will provide a cash rebate for a range of water wise products for inside and outside your home, it will require a cash outlay. Once you have registered through the Water Smart Package web portal, purchase the product/s, keep your receipt/s and send the receipt/s to Council along with your application form.

The value of your rebate will add up to either $300 or $500 depending on your eligibility (see question 2 above).

You must register for your rebate on the Water Smart Package web portal before products are purchased, otherwise you will not be eligible for the rebate.

Eligible products under the Water Saving Devices Rebate are listed on the following page. The value listed is the maximum rebatable amounts per product. If the product purchased is less, you will only be eligible for a rebate amount up to the cost of the product.

Guidelines

You can choose to purchase your products at any business. Your choice of product must be the same as what you registered on the web portal. For example if you chose pool covers and a low flow showerhead, but purchase a smart irrigation controller, you will not be eligible for a rebate on the smart irrigation controller.

You may purchase any particular brand of product as long as it's consistent with any Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Scheme (WELS) rating or other requirements listed below. More information about how to read a WELS water rating label to ensure you get the most water efficient product, can be found at www.waterrating.gov.au/choose/water-rating-label

You must purchase your products within three months of registering through the web portal, or your program registration will be void. You will receive monthly reminders through your nominated email address reminding you to purchase the products you have registered for.

Class A Products – up to $250 rebate per product

Pool covers. The rebate only applies to new products and does not apply to used or second-hand products. The rebate is only available for pool covers that have a minimum thickness of 400 microns, are UV stabilised and have a minimum five year warranty and are designed to prevent water evaporation. Must be a Smart Approved WaterMark product. The pool cover can be purchased with or without a pool cover roller. Customers must have an existing roller or purchase one with their pool cover. Evidence suggests that pool covers don’t get used or are used a lot less if there is no roller. No rebate is available for rollers purchased separately without a pool cover. However, if you already have a roller and are replacing your cover, you must provide evidence of the existing roller. Evidence of the original roller can be provided through either the original receipt or photo evidence that states the location (address) of the roller and must be signed by the person applying for the rebate.

Covers for spas will not be eligible for the rebate. In addition, liquid pool cover products will not be eligible for the rebate.

Drip irrigation. The rebate only applies to new products and does not apply to used or second-hand products. All drip irrigation must have the following installed:• A back flow preventer to prevent water

contamination (unless irrigating with an independent water supply, eg. bore)

• Pressure regulator, and• Filter to prevent clogging.

Smart irrigation controllers. The rebate only applies to new products and does not apply to used or second-hand products. The products selected must be WiFi capable and adjust watering to match seasonal conditions.

Low water use turf or artificial turf. The rebate for low water use turf only applies to narrow leaf species of turf including Zoysia and Couch which are suited to Townsville's naturally hot conditions and periods of drought. Some species we recommend include ZT-11, Zoysia japonica Zoysia matrella, Cynodon dactylon and Digitaria didactyla.

- The rebate for artificial turf only applies to new products and does not apply to used or second-hand products.

Rainwater tanks. The rebate only applies to new products and does not apply to used or second-hand products. The rebate does not apply for the installation costs of the rainwater tank, which should be installed by a qualified plumber.

Guidelines

Dual Flush Converter

Greywater Diverter Hose with Filter

All Class A, B & C water efficient products must be purchased, paid for in full and fully installed before a rebate can be submitted.

All eligible applicants for the Water Smart Package rebate must complete in full and sign the rebate application and enclose copies of all receipts/tax invoices.

Application forms can be printed or downloaded from the Water Smart web portal after registration.

Water Saving Devices Rebate – Body Corporates

The Water Saving Devices Rebate will provide a cash rebate for a range of water wise products for the outdoor area of a body corporate complex.

It will require a cash outlay; once The Body Corporate have registered on the Water Smart Package web portal, it will purchase the product and send the receipt/s to Council along with the application form.

The collective value of your rebate will add up to $1,000, but the body corporate can choose a lesser amount if they do not wish to purchase products up to that amount.

The body corporate must register for your rebate on the Water Smart Package web portal before products are purchased, otherwise you will not be eligible for the rebate. Eligible products under the Water Saving Devices Rebates are listed on the next page. There is no specific maximum rebatable amount for each individual product, as long as the overall rebate amount sought is $1,000 or less. The body corporate will be asked at the time of registering on the web portal which products they are seeking a rebate for and what rebate amount they will be seeking per product. For example a body corporate may wish to get only a pool cover and apply their entire $1,000 rebate to that, or alternatively may wish to get a pool cover and a rainwater tank and get $500 rebate for each product.

Class B Products – up to $100 rebate per product

- Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Scheme (WELS) 4 star or above rated washing machine or toilet. The rebate only applies to new products and does not apply to used or second-hand products. More information about how to read a WELS water rating label to ensure you get the most water efficient product, can be found at www.waterrating.gov.au/choose/water-rating-label

- Community members entitled to support services, disability pension, age pensioner or Department of Veterans Affairs pension can register for up to $100 rebate towards a qualified plumber and/or irrigation installer installing their WELS 4 star or above rated water savings devices. This $100 amount will be included in their overall $500 amount.

Class C Products – up to $50 rebate per product

- WELS 4 star or above rated showerhead or dishwasher. The rebate only applies to new products and does not apply to used or second hand products.

- Other new fixtures from the following list:

Hose-end Trigger Nozzles or Spray Guns - which could include a hose trigger gun with adjustable watering patterns or a hose nozzle with adjustable water stream from spray to jet.

Flow Aerator or Restrictor (Taps and Showers) – which could include WELS 5 star and 3 star water saving discs, Bamford’s Waterblade Tap Adaptor, volume control valve for showerhead and/or a trickle switch .

Shower Timer - which includes digital waterproof timers or standard hourglass timer.

Guidelines

If the value of the product purchased is less, you will only be eligible for a rebate up to the cost of the product.

The body corporate can choose to purchase products at any business. The choice of product must be the same as what you registered on the web portal. For example if you chose a pool cover, but then purchased a smart irrigation controller, you will not be eligible for a rebate on that smart irrigation controller.

You can choose any brand you wish to purchase, as long as its consistent with any requirements listed below.

The body corporate must purchase the product/s within three months of registering through the web portal, or the program registration will be void. You will receive monthly reminders through your nominated email address reminding you to purchase the products you have registered for.

Class A Products – total rebate up to $1000

Pool covers. The rebate only applies to new products and does not apply to used or second-hand products. The rebate is only available for pool covers that have a minimum thickness of 400 microns, are UV stabilised and have a minimum five year warranty and are designed to prevent water evaporation. Must be a Smart Approved WaterMark product. The pool cover can be purchased with or without a pool cover roller. Customers must have an existing roller or purchase one with their pool cover. Evidence suggests that pool covers don’t get used or are used a lot less if there is no roller.

No rebate is available for rollers purchased separately without a pool cover. However, if you already have a roller and are replacing your cover, you must provide evidence of the existing roller. Evidence of the original roller can be provided through either the original receipt or photo evidence that states the location (address) of the roller and must be signed by the person applying for the rebate.

Covers for spas will not be eligible for the rebate. In addition, liquid pool cover products will not be eligible for the rebate.

Drip irrigation. The rebate only applies to new products and does not apply to used or second-hand products. All drip irrigation must have the following installed:• A back flow preventer to avoid water contamination

(unless irrigating with an independent water supply, eg. bore)

• Pressure regulator, and• Filter to prevent clogging.

Smart irrigation controllers. The rebate only applies to new products and does not apply to used or second-hand products. The products selected must be WiFi capable and adjust watering to match seasonal conditions.

Low water use turf or artificial turf. The rebate for low water use turf only applies to narrow leaf species of turf including Zoysia and Couch which are suited to Townsville's naturally hot conditions and periods of drought. Some species we recommend include ZT-11, Zoysia japonica Zoysia matrella, Cynodon dactylon and Digitaria didactyla. The rebate for artificial turf only applies to new products and does not apply to used or second hand products.

Rainwater tanks. The rebate only applies to new products and does not apply to used or second-hand products. The rebate does not apply for the installation costs of the rainwater tank.

All Class A water efficient products must be purchased, paid for in full and fully installed before a rebate can be submitted.

All eligible applicants for the Water Smart Package rebate must complete in full and sign the rebate application and enclose copies of all receipts/tax invoices.

Guidelines

7. Conditions and Payments of Water Saving Devices Rebates

• All applications must be registered through the Water Smart Package web portal.

• You must register through the Water Smart Package web portal before making an eligible purchase.

• Products purchased must comply with the requirements specified in Question 6 above including complying with any WELS rating requirements listed.

• By accepting a rebate on an irrigation system you acknowledge your compliance with all relevant statutory requirements including back flow prevention (unless irrigating with an independent water supply, eg. bore).

• All applications are confined to residential dwellings in Townsville City Council’s Local Government Area.

• The Water Smart Package is limited to a maximum of one rebate or Garden Support Package per dwelling.

• Any eligible devices/appliances must be properly installed at the address specified when registering for the program.

• Payments of rebates will be processed within 14 working days from receipt of application form by Council.

• Payment of rebates will be to the nominated bank account if registration is filled out by the owner/tenant/body corporate online or face to face, or through a cheque if registration is taken with the assistance of Council staff over the phone. To ensure security Council has a policy of not accepting people’s bank details over the phone.

8. Am I eligible to participate if I have bore water?

Yes. As the program is about making it easier for people to transition to wise water use, this also applies to those using bore water. Water is a finite resource and should be used wisely regardless of where it is sourced from.

9. Which devices require a plumber to install?

All water saving devices available through the Smart Water Package can be installed without a registered plumber. The cost of installation is not included in the rebate program, apart from the $100 rebate towards installation costs for the community entitled to support services, disability pensioners or age pensioners.

10. How long is the Water Smart Package open?

The Water Smart Package is opening on 15 July 2019 and will close when the program budget has been fully expended. It is on a first come, first served basis and we anticipate demand will exceed supply, so get in quick!

11. I don’t have access to a computer or the internet, can I still be involved?

Yes. You can call Council for assistance on 13 48 10, or visit our Customer Service Centre, or libraries where Council staff will help you fill in the registration form online. We will also be providing additional face to face opportunities to help you register.

12. How long do I have to buy my products from when I register for a rebate?

You will have three months from the date of registering to get your application form in for the rebate, otherwise your registration will become void. You will receive monthly reminders through your nominated email address, reminding you to purchase the products you have registered for.

Guidelines

13. When will I receive my Garden Support Package?

Once you have registered through the web portal, you will receive an email confirmation with your order. The order will contain information on where and when you can go collect your goods. If any of the goods you have ordered are out of stock, the supplier will contact you to let you know how long it will take for them to arrive in.

If you have selected the Garden Support Package automatic irrigation and/or mulch delivery/spread a service provider will be in contact with you within a week of placing your order to arrange a convenient time to deliver your mulch and/or undertake the irrigation optimisation, leak detection and repair service.

14. Will it really save any water?

Yes. Council recognises that Townsville residents on average use at least 70% of their water outdoors and is proactively raising awareness and supporting residents to transition to more water efficient products and services. This will ultimately achieve more efficient water use practices, leading to sustainably reducing water consumption per household. The products chosen to be included in the

Water Smart Package can provide real water savings. In addition, Council is installing 500 smart water meters on randomly selected households within the program to provide us with a representative data sample so that we can analyse the water saved at a household level. Council is aiming to achieve a 20% reduction in water use for the households involved in the program.

15. Will I be able to apply for a rebate if I have bought a water wise product prior to registering online?

No. In order to track the program budget, rebates must be registered through the web portal, prior to purchasing their water wise products.

The Water Smart Package Rebate General Information- Documents attached to your application will not be

returned.- Information may be used for audit purposes. This

is to ensure that the product purchased has been correctly installed and is within the guidelines of the Water Smart Package.

Guidelines

Townsville City Council - Collection NoticeTownsville City Council (Council, we, our, us) collects and manages personal information in the course of performing its activities, functions and duties. We respect the privacy of the personal information held by us. The way in which Council manages personal information is governed by the Information Privacy Act 2009 (Qld) (the Act).

What personal information will we collect?We may need to collect the following personal information in relation to your Water Smart Package application:• Name;• Home Address;• Postal Address;• Phone Number/s including work, home or mobile

number;• Bank Account Details;• Concession number;• Date of Birth;• Photo Identification; and• Proof of Address

How do we use your personal information?We are collecting your personal information in accordance with Local Government Act 2009 and Water Smart Package so that we can:• Administer the Garden Support Package or the

Water Savings Devices Rebate;• Provide the products and services you have

requested;• Process your cash rebate for the water wise

products you have purchased after your registration; and

• Provide you with information about other events and services that may interest you.

Generally, we will not disclose your personal information outside of Council unless we are required to do so by law, or unless you have given us your consent to such disclosure. However, in performing the above functions, we will disclose the following personal information to the companies engaged to administer the Garden Support packages:• Name;• Email;• Phone Number/s; and • Home address

At the point of collection you will also be required to present photo identification and proof of address. This information will be sited and not recorded by the Supplier or Council.

Please note that any of the following organisations may be provided your contact details in order to arrange collection or installation of the selected package:• Addisons Universal Mitre 10;• Bedrock Landscaping;• Atomic Irrigation;• Globe Australia;• (PPS) Professional Pump Services and Irrigation;• Townsville Mini Loads;• AJW Services NQ;• Revegetation Contractors;• Coastal Dry Tropics Landcare Inc; and • Project Plants.

If you are applying for either of the $500 concession packages you will be required to provide your concession number and date of birth. This will be verified with the Department of Human Services (Centrelink) or the Department of Veteran Affairs. When registering for the concession you will be asked to provide a declaration and consent to make the relevant inquiries with the applicable organisation.

When registering for the program on the web portal you will be asked to provide your consent to manage your personal information in the manner described in our Privacy Policy, this collection notice and the above documents.

For further information about how we manage your personal information, please see our Information Privacy Policy.

Guidelines

P: 13 48 10E: watersmart@townsville.qld.gov.auW: watersmart.townsville.qld.gov.au