Water Tank Rebate in Western Downs Council Area, Queensland – NOW OPEN
For residents and businesses in the Western Downs Regional Council area there is an excellent water tank rebate opportunity available from the regional council. The council is providing a rebate to help residents secure a reliable water source. The council has implemented various initiatives aimed at not only providing quality water but also encouraging residents to actively participate in securing water for their households and one of these initiatives is the water tank rebate scheme. For other initiatives, visit the council site here.
Rebate Details
The rebate is for new tanks only and is first come first served as there is a finite amount of funds allocated for this rebate scheme. The scheme has proven instrumental in fostering greater water storage, contributing to the region’s sustainability goals. Applicants in the potable supply area (have access to mains drinking water) stand to gain a maximum rebate of $1000 for each new tank purchase. This means that property owners with multiple properties within the region can unlock up to four rebates in a single financial year by investing in new tanks. To be eligible, you must also own the property and the property must have a dwelling to which the tanks must be plumbed.
For those residing in non-potable supply areas (no access to mains drinking water) such as Brigalow, Dulacca, Flinton, Glenmorgan, Jimbour, Kaimkillenbun, Kogan, Meandarra, Moonie, The Gums and Westmar, a larger rebate of $2000 is possible. This amount is applicable to tanks with a capacity of 40,000 litres or greater which can be achieved with multiple smaller tanks, for example, two 20,000 litre tanks. The rebate can be applied for up to four times a financial year, however, it must be on different properties, it cannot be for the same property and the applicant must own the properties and each property must have a dwelling. This presents an opportunity for residents in areas lacking access to quality drinking water to purchase quality water tanks at a lower price. The flexibility of the rebate allows residents to increase their drinkable water supply by investing in multiple tanks, provided they are plumbed into their residences.
| Access to Potable Water | Grant Type | Rebate Amount | Closing Date | Suitable Bushmans Tanks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | 5,000 litres and greater | $500 | 30-Jun-25 | 5000L round tall 5000L round squat NSW, ACT & QLD 5000L slimline water tank |
| Yes | 10,000 litres and greater | $750 | 30-Jun-25 | 10,000L tall water tank 10,000L squat water tank 15,000L water tank |
| Yes | 20,000 litres and greater | $1,000 | 30-Jun-25 | 22,500L water tank 25,000L water tank 30,000L water tank 46,400L water tank |
| No | 40,000 litres and greater* | $2,000 | 30-Jun-25 | 2 x 22,500L water tanks 2 x 25,000L water tanks 2 x 30,000L water tanks 46,400L water tank Aqualine steel water tanks (above 40,000L) |
| *the $2000 grant is only available to residents connected to Council’s non-potable water supply schemes | ||||
Application Process
The application process is simple, recipients are guided through the crucial steps of gaining pre-approval before the purchase of a rainwater tank. As a requirement for the scheme’s integrity, an on-site inspection is required, ensuring that the installed tank is not only complete but also fully operational.
To begin the application process, access the Council’s Online Grants Platform, which can be found here. Residents must submit their applications online to be considered for this rebate.
Once the pre-approval has been accepted and the tank has been purchased, installed and inspected, applicants will provide proof of purchase to the Western Downs Council, and will then be reimbursed on the approved rebate.
Rebate Types
The rebates are based on the tank size purchased, the larger the tank, the larger the rebate. This encourages purchasing a large water tank, to be able to harvest more rainwater. There are four rebate options available ranging from $500 to $2000 depending on the size of tanks purchased and installed and if there is access to potable water. The water tank provider must be within the Western Down Council. Conveniently, Bushmans has a facility located in Dalby, QLD, which is inside the Western Downs Council area and has been servicing the area for decades. Bushmans has high quality water tanks that suit all the rebate categories. The 5000L round tall, 5000L round squat NSW, ACT & QLD and 5000L slimline water tank can be purchased online through Bushmans web shop and would qualify for the $500 rebate.
If you are seeking a larger water storage option, with a larger rebate, you can receive a $750 rebate if you purchase a water tank 10,000L or over. Bushmans has two 10,000L tanks, the 10,000L tall water tank and the 10,000L squat water tank. The 15,000L water tank would also qualify for the $750 rebate.
Another category in the rebate scheme for even larger tanks is the $1000 water tank rebate, available if you purchase a water tank 20,000L and greater. One of Bushmans most popular water tanks is the 22,500L water tank which would qualify for $1000 rebate. There is also Bushmans 25,000L water tank and 30,000L poly water tank which also qualifies for the $1000 rebate.
If you need even more water storage and do not have access to potable water (mains drinking water) a $2000 rebate is available if a water tank 40,000L or greater is purchased (this can be two 20,000 litre tanks). Bushmans also has the massive 46,400L poly water tank that qualifies for this $2000 rebate. Alternatively, Bushmans offers the premium Aqualine galvanised steel water tank range, which range from 20,000L to the large 360,000L. The 45,000L steel water tank and any model up would qualify for the $2000 rebate. See the table above for a summary of the rebate types available and the Bushmans tank sizes that meet the eligibility requirements.
In conclusion, the Rainwater Tank Subsidy Scheme is an excellent opportunity to secure a quality rainwater tank and receive a rebate from the Western Downs Regional Council. This reflects the council’s commitment to supporting water resilience across the region. The positive impact of this scheme will save water and provide less strain on water infrastructure and offer residents a financially viable way to start or upgrade their water storage capabilities.
References
For comprehensive details on the Rainwater Tank Subsidy Scheme, residents are encouraged to explore the official Western Downs Regional Council website. The provided links serve as valuable resources for further information, including the details of the rebate, eligibility criteria, and the application process.
Information page: https://www.wdrc.qld.gov.au/Services-Payments/Utilities/Water#section-8
Application page: Water Tank Grants Program 2425 – Western Downs Regional Council (smartygrants.com.au)
If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out to the Western Downs Council or for any quotes relating to this rebate, reach out to Bushmans and one of our professionals in Dalby will be happy to assist.
