Media Statement - 19th October 2007
Today, to mark the 100th anniversary of surf life saving in Australia, Anthony Albanese and Peter Garrett announced that a Rudd Labor Government will invest up to $3 million to assist every Surf Life Saving Club in Australia install a rainwater tank.
Australia's 305 Surf Life Saving Clubs have a special place in Australian culture. Thousands of children have grown up as Nippers, and over the years lifesavers have helped more than 520,000 people on our beautiful yet dangerous beaches.
“Surf Life Saving Clubs are models of dedication, leadership and community service,” said Anthony Albanese.
“With community concern about climate change and water use at an all time high, this
funding will assist Surf Clubs save water and provide a public
demonstration of action we can all take to conserve our precious water
supplies.”
“Assisting every Surf Life Saving Club to install a rainwater tank is a fitting way to commemorate 100 years of life saving and will benefit the entire community,” said Peter Garrett.
“Labor will invest up to $3 million to provide up to $10,000 to every club to install a rainwater tank, or contribute towards a larger water savings project.
“Fresh water is used in all sorts of ways at the beach – to shower, wash sand and salty water off boats, clean surf gear, water gardens and clean public areas – but instead of using precious mains supplies, we can capture rainwater and use it for these tasks.
“This initiative will show local communities across Australia what we can all do to use water more wisely as we face a hotter and drier future with climate change.”
“This initiative builds on Labor’s comprehensive approach to tackling the water crisis and climate change,” said Anthony Albanese.
Other Labor policies to encourage efficient rainwater use and conservation include:
- A rebate of up to $500 for 500,000 homes to install rainwater tanks or grey water piping.
- An aspirational target for all Australian homes to have water saving technologies like rainwater tanks and grey water re-use where suitable by 2020.
- Up to $10,000 in zero real interest loans for Australian families to undertake practical energy and water saving measures at home.