Pine Rivers locals forced to replace household hot water systems damaged or destroyed during recent floods may be eligible for rebates up to $1000 under changes to the Bligh Government’s Solar Hot Water Rebate Scheme, Carolyn Male MP, State Member for Pine Rivers said.

Carolyn Male MP said the government had extended the schemes to help households in cyclone and flood-ravaged areas of the State.
“What this means is flood and cyclone-affected householders can apply for the rebate to replace an existing electric, solar or gas hot water system damaged by the recent disaster events with a solar hot water system,” Carolyn Male MP said.
“Until now, only householders replacing an existing electric hot water system with a solar hot water system were eligible to apply for the rebate."
“Many people are still doing it tough, they are still getting back on their feet following the recent events and this will go some way to helping them out.”
To be eligible for the extended solar rebate, affected households must be in a Queensland local government area subject to natural disaster declaration as a result of recent cyclone and flood events.
“The solar rebate is $1000 for pensioners and low income earners and $600 for other eligible applicants to purchase and install a solar hot water system in their homes,” Carolyn Male MP said.
“With this special provision people will be able to install a more energy efficient solar hot water system.
This is about helping the community rebuild their homes and their lives.”
People who have already replaced their hot water system can apply but will need to provide proof of purchase and the license numbers of their plumber and electrician.
Application forms for the solar hot water rebate under these special provisions are available from www.qld.gov.au/solar or by telephoning 13 GET SOLAR.  Applications must be made by 29 February 2012.