Updated
The Newman government has scrapped mandatory water tanks but Toowoomba Regional Council wants the law reinstated for it's residents.
Kirrin McKechnie
Source: 7.30 Queensland | Duration: 5min 28sec
Topics: water-management, brisbane-4000
MATT WORDSWORTH: And still on the dry weather mandatory rainwater tanks were an initiative brought in at the height of the drought in 2007. But the State Government scrapped the rules earlier this year saying they add an unnecessary financial burden. Builders say the move will help them stay competitive. The rainwater tank industry says despite flooding rain on the east coast this summer the lessons of the drought shouldn't be forgotten. Kirrin McKechnie reports.
(FOOTAGE OF FORMER PREMIERS AND WATER COMMISSIONER SPEAKING DURING DROUGHTS)
PETER BEATTIE, PREMIER: We do not have time to muck about we don't have time for political games or anything else we have to get on with it.
MS ELIZABETH NOSWORTHY, WATER COMMISSIONER: We expect the dam levels will reach 20%.
ANNA BLIGH, PREMIER: We will have to be making further contingency plans because the worst on record is about to be superseded.
(FOOTAGE OF WIVENHOE DAM AREAS DURING DROUGHT)
KIRRIN McKECHNIE: After the massive drenchings Queensland has copped over the past three years it's almost hard to remember the strict water restrictions adopted in the south east as part of the daily routine just a few years ago. Four minute showers, showering with a bucket to water the garden, and a ban on washing your car were all just par for the course, as authorities braced for the very real possibility of Wivenhoe dam running out of water.
(FOOTAGE OF TANKS READY FOR DELIVERY)
KIRRIN McKECHNIE: One water saving measure adopted by the previous Labor Government during those dire days was the mandatory installation of water tanks in new homes. But in February the new LNP Government scrapped the requirement, in a bid to keep down the costs of new construction.
PAUL BIDWELL, MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION: Rainwater tanks are a mandatory requirement where we think they should be by choice and it adds in the order of $6,000 to the cost of constructing a new dwelling and that should be up to the householder to choose rather than the government saying you must do this.
KIRRIN McKECHNIE: Queensland's building and construction industry has been in the doldrums for a number of years. To make new homes more affordable, Master Builders Association lobbied hard to scrap the mandatory water tank requirement.
PAUL BIDWELL: Right now it's only the new homes that have to have a rainwater tank and it puts us at a cost disadvantage.
KIRRIN McKECHNIE: But another industry fears it will take a bath because of the new rules. On a massive production line at a Logan factory workers are constructing new water tanks. This is one of the biggest tank manufacturers in the country but workers here are worried about their future.
CRAIG READING, TANKWORKS: We do anticipate a significant loss. We're a fairly significant water tank manufacturer and we do exist in other markets as well and know how to operate in those markets. There are a lot of other manufacturers around that are exposed only to the Queensland market and we're certainly concerned for them.
KIRRIN McKECHNIE: Craig Reading says the State Government's decision lacks long term vision.
CRAIG READING: There have very large community wide benefits to rain water harvesting beyond saving some water that's used for washing your clothes or flushing your toilet but right down to the health of our waterways, the ecosystems that are all impacted by development and rain water tanks do a significant job in mitigating the issues surrounded by that.
KIRRIN McKECHNIE: The Government estimates the cost of installing a new water tank is about $5,000. But the Rainwater Harvesting Association which represents tank manufacturers puts the figure closer to three. And it believes home owners can recoup that outlay in about 10 years through reduced water bills.
PETER COOMBES, URBAN WATER CYCLE SOLUTIONS: Water bills in the future of Queensland residents and the costs of managing water will continue to increase and we miss out on substantial opportunities to make Queensland far more sustainable and more affordable in the longer term.
KIRRIN McKECHNIE: Peter Coombes is a nationally renowned environmental consultant commissioned by the Rainwater Harvesting Association to write a submission to the Newman Government on the benefit of water tanks. He insists the decision to scrap mandatory tanks will cost all Queenslanders more in the long term.
PETER COOMBES: Building household water efficiency actually reduces the costs of operating our State owned water systems, reduces the need to build more infrastructure and it actually reduces the cost pressures on providing water and sewage services.
KIRRIN McKECHNIE: The industry has lost its battle with the State Government and is now trying to convince local councils to mandate water tanks in new homes. So far none have although a handful particularly in the south east are believed to be seriously considering it.
PAUL BIDWELL: We have no problem if councils want to put a case but it's got to be an economic case so it's not just a matter of them saying we want to opt in and require these tanks. They need to prove that in their local government area that the benefits outweigh the costs but our view is that that will be difficult to prove.
KIRRIN McKECHNIE: But the industry is counting on memories of many a long, dry summer.
CRAIG READING: You know Queenslanders won't have to think back too far to remember the drought and remember the severe water restrictions. But we think Queenslanders are quite water wise and certainly understand the benefits of rain water tanks.
MATT WORDSWORTH: And Toowoomba Regional Council has decided it will pursue mandatory rainwater tanks and water saving devices.
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