For most of us,the world of rebate schemes, initiates, terms, conditions, eligibility and applicable products and services is like rolling our super in the one account, we have every intention of getting around to one day but unless pushed just never seem to find the time. The article is designed to remove most, if not all of the hassle of not only finding out what rebates state and federal governments offer, but also how to offers links to the official rebate information web page where all eligibilities requirements, rebates forms any other useful information can be sourced.

This page was last updated 26th February 2010

Quick Links:

Federal Government Rebates
Australian Capital Territory
New South Wales
Queensland
Victoria
South Australia
Tasmania
Western Australia
Northern Territory

Federal Government Rebates

-Ceiling Insulation Rebate Shakeup February 19th 2010.

It is now well known that the Australian Government, and in particular the Minister for Environment, Heritage and the Arts, Mr Peter Garrett, have been bombarded with bad publicity after 16% of audited homes were found to have had shonky insulation works carried out, allegedly resulting in the deaths of four insulations installers. After massive amounts of media and public pressure to act, on February 19th 2010 the government announced sweeping changes to this and other green schemes. A media release by Peter Garrett outlining the changes can be found here.

-Renewable Energy Bonus Scheme

The biggest change felt by the February 19th changes were to the Home Insulation Program and Solar Hot Water Program. The changes basically resulted in an 'amalgamation' of sorts of both the two programs under the new banner of the Renewable Energy Bonus Scheme.

The new scheme kindly offers households the choice of which environmental products they can have installed in their homes. It is important to point that that only one of these choices can be elected. Once you have selected one, you will no longer have access to this scheme.

The choices now are;

Ceiling insulation: A rebate of $1,000 for ceiling insulation, down from $1,200 under the old scheme. There is also significant changes to how you can apply for the rebate. Under the old system installers had the onus of obtaining the grant. Under the current scheme it is the householders who now must pay upfront before claiming the rebate directly through Medicare. Already there is backlash at this method as where the old system allowed you to never touch your wallet if your installation was less than $1,200 (which strangely enough most turned out to be). This change comes with a wealth of 'credibility assurances' that the installer now must undertake, which should hopefully eliminate some of the 'cowboys' who really have tainted this worthy scheme from day one. There is a name and shame list of deregistered installers provided by the government which can be found here.

Please note that this component of the scheme is intended to come into operation by 1st June 2010. Until then ceiling insulation rebates (and companies who install it) are effectively in limbo. More details will be presented here when known.

OR

Solar Hot Water Systems: A rebate of $1,000 (reduced from $1,600 under the previous scheme) for the installation of an eligible solar hot water system. This rebate is available from 20th February 2010. Those who purchased or ordered a hot water system before 20th February 2010 and can prove purchase or installation may still be eligible for the $1,600 rebate.

OR

Heat Pump Systems: A rebate of $600 (reduced from $1,000 under the previous scheme) for the installation of an eligible heat pump system. This rebate is available from 20th February 2010. Those who purchased or ordered a heat pump system before 20th February 2010 and can prove purchase or installation may still be eligible for the $1,000 rebate.

-Green Loans

The other scheme to feel the force of the 19th February 2010 changes is the Green Loans Program. The actual loan component of the scheme will be withdrawn 22nd March 2010, leaving only the free home assessment component in existence, just to allow people to know what improvements they could have made had they had access to an interest free green loan. IN addition, ANZ and Westpac have cancelled their involvement in this scheme effective 24th February 2010. Otherwise most of the changes appear to be concerning the powers of the assessors. This program will run until the end of 2010, after which it will be replaced by the Green Start Program.

There are still some options for low interest green loans available.

• Bendigo bank - Generation Green Loans available for both personal and home loans.
• MECU - goGreen Home Improvement Loan
• Savings & Loans - Green Personal Loans
• Community First Credit Union - Green Loans

Of course, make sure you understand all the legal T's & C's before committing to any financial agreements.

-The Green Start Program

The Green Start program replaces the Green Loans program and was part of the 19th February 2010 rebates shakeup. It will commence on 1st January 2011 and at the time of writing details were still being finalised. The programs looks to be retaining the Green Loans ethos of helping low income households improve their energy and water efficiencies by way of in home sustainability assessments, but now includes a web based assessment tool. More details will be presented here when known.

-Low Emission's Plan For Renters

The 'Low Emissions Plan for Renters' initiative encourages landlords to install insulation on their rented properties and receive rebates of up to $1000 on the cost. Eligibility and application details can be found on the website or by calling the hotline on 1800 808 571.

-Solar Photovoltaic Systems

The Solar Photovoltaic Rebate program provided rebates for the installation of solar photovoltaic systems (basically solar panels) on homes, schools and community use buildings. In a back flip that would have caused enormous heartache for Solar Specialists, at 9.39am Tues 9 June 2009 the Federal Government announce that this initiative was going to close at 5pm that day. The closure was due to "unprecedented growth" however budgetary constraints are believed to be the real reason. Applications for the $8,000 rebate also closed at 5pm the same day. If you didn't get your application in, unfortunately you have missed out. The rebate shake up does not seemed to have affected the National Solar Schools Program however.

The initiative is being replaced by a Solar Credits scheme, however details and eligibility conditions are still very vague. An F.A.Q. document is available here. The new scheme is believed to not be as enticing as its predecessor. Details about the new scheme will be posted here when they become available.

In somewhat surprising news, however, on Thursday 20 August 2009 Federal Parliament apparently passed a scheme that will allow households, renters and businesses access to rebates of up to $7,000 to households. While details are currently very hard to find, an article published by livenews.com.au explains the scheme in a little more.

More details will be posted here when they become available.

-Renewable Remote Power Generation

For the country folk, the Australian Government has developed what is known as the Renewable Remote Power Generation program. The program is designed to support those in remote areas of Australia who switch to using renewable energy generation as opposed to fossil fuels. So supportive of this are the Government that funding is currently only available until 30 June 2011, For more information, go the Australian Government's Renewable Remote Power Generation program.

-Water Tanks and Greywater Systems

Released under the 2008/09 Federal Budget, the National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative offers households access to rebates of up to $500 on the cost of rainwater tanks or greywater systems from March 2009 to 31 March 2014. Applications and FAQ's can be found on the website or by calling 1800 808 571.

In addition to the household rebate, up to 300 Surf Life Saving Clubs to be eligible for grants of up to $10,000 for water efficiency products until January 31st 2010. Clubs wishing to apply can contact Surf Life Saving Australia on (02) 9300 4000.

State and Territory Rebates

In addition to the rebates set out by the Australian government, most state governments have also proposed rebates on similar initiatives. Of course the biggest bonus with this is that you can actually cash in with both levels of government. The scopes of initiatives are pretty similar amongst the states and territories.

-Australian Capital Territory

Garden Smart Service is a program where home-owners can learn about sustainable plant choices, garden designs, maintenance and watering practices. The program is free and is worth around $150. Taking part in the program also makes the home-owner eligible for a rebate of up to $50 on purchases of water saving or containment devices, hoses, watering systems, compost bins, worm farms and books.

The rebate for Rainwater Tanks With Internal Plumbing Connection is only for tanks that are connected to inside the home, for example the toilet or washing machine on properties connected to the ACTEW Corporation's water supply network.

The Home Energy Advice Team is an organisation funded by the ACT government providing ACT residents with free, independent advice on how to improve energy efficiency in your home.

A new program call the Toilet Smart program will commence in February 2009 and aims to assist property owners in converting single flush toilets to water efficient dual flush toilets.

-New South Wales

The NSW Rainwater Tank rebate is quite picky on eligibility requirements, with the rebate amount dependant on tank capacity (2,000 litres or over only) and what plumbing it is connected to.  The rebates range from $150 to $1500.

The Hot Water System Rebate is available for new gas, solar or heat pump hot water systems which replace an existing electric hot water system, in addition to a couple of other eligibility requirements. Rebates range from $300 for a gas hot water system with a 5-star or higher energy rating to $1200 for a solar or heat pump hot water systems.

An interesting program is the Fridge Buyback scheme. Only for those living in metropolitan Sydney, it is designed to break the hearts of all Sydney blokes by offering a $35 rebate, free collection and removal and electricity bill savings to trade in the working second fridge (more commonly known as the Beer Fridge).

-Queensland

After a short hiatus of not providing any rebates, the Queensland government now, thankfully, has a two rebates on offer.

The Queensland Solar Hot Water Program, available from July 1st 2009 is, frankly, quite a confusing scheme to the point where it seems safer to simply quote the state governement's rebate site instead of the usual aToMik Green method of simplifying the scheme for all to read.

"The Queensland Government is entering into agreements with solar and heat pump hot water suppliers to supply and install high quality systems at competitive prices under the Program. The Federal Government is offering a $1600 rebate to help with the cost of installation.

Before installation, under the Queensland Solar Hot Water Program, as an eligible participant, you will pay $500, or $100 if you are a pensioner or low income earner, to receive a standard solar or heat pump hot water system professionally installed, with warranty, in a principal place of residence.

Upon installation, you will receive an additional invoice for $1600, equivalent to the Federal Government rebate you will be applying for. You will need to pay that invoice once you've received your Federal rebate.

Also under this Program, you need to agree to transfer the right to create and trade Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to the hot water system Contractor responsible for installing the hot water system. RECs are issued when a complete solar or heat pump hot water system is installed. The number of RECs issued varies with each hot water system."

Please not that it is essential that you register your interest in the scheme before you proceed with the installation.

*Note. As a result of the February 19 2010 rebate shakeup, the Queensland Governement are assessing "the impact that the changes to the Federal rebate will have on the Queensland Solar Hot Water Program". It is advised that you personally seek out the latest information while this assessment is being made.

The second scheme is the Solar Bonus Scheme, where households that have roof top photovaltaic panels may receive payment for surplus energy generated from their panels before it is fed back into the system. Those participating in the scheme will be paid 44 cents per kilowatt hour for their surplus energy. There are a few eligibility requirements so be sure you comply with these before contacting your energy supplier for more information. More information about the scheme can be found here.

A few local councils in Queensland are also offering some rebates on a variety of initiatives, although the list and initiatives that attract a rebate have reduced dramatically in recent times.

• Brisbane City Council has a scheme caled the ClimateSmart Home Service, which is a $50 cash back program when residents use the Queensland Government's Climate Smart Home Service, effectively making it free. The service will help you to reduce household greenhouse gases and lower your energy bills through actions like providing an audit of your home's energy use and replacing your light globes with energy efficient globes.
• Ipswich City Council and Ipswich Water- Dual flush toilets and shower heads.♠

While it's not a rebate as such, the Queensland Government currently has a scheme call the Climate Smart Home Service. At the cost of $50 an electrician will install a electrical usage monitor, water saving shower head and up to 15 energy efficient light globes, in addition to an energy and water office efficiency plan. Check out their interesting choice of model for the site also.

-Victoria

In a directly opposite move to the Queensland Government's withdrawal of all rebates schemes, the Victorian Government has recently added more initiatives to their increasingly impressive rebate range. There are now two additional hot water rebates to the existing Solar Hot Water Rebate for Metro only, with the rebate now including the Solar Hot Water Rebate for regional Victoria and Gas Hot Water system. Continuing along the solar lines is the Solar Energy System rebate, offering a rebate of up to $8,000 on residential solar energy systems.

A great website that covers all of the state government's water based rebates is the Our Water website. Here you can quite easily research all of Victoria's rebate schemes and some brief details about each one. Victoria has rebates for rain water tanks, grey water systems, dual flush toilets, 3 star shower heads, water conservations audits and the recently added Hot Water Re-circulator rebate.

Unlike any other state, they also offer a 'basket offer' rebate. Basically when you spend $100 or more on water saving products, you should be eligible to receive $30 cashback. For more information on this rebate and a list of devices that are covered under the rebate, have a read of the term and conditions attached to the Rebate Claim Form, especially clause 9.

Finally, the Whitegoods Appliance Rebate offers concession card holder only a 'No Interest Loan' on credit to purchase qualifying washing machines and fridges. A $100 rebate is also available through the loan on qualifying washing machines and fridges.

There are also a range of rebates available to schools, businesses and Government Agencies.

-South Australia

In addition to the Australian Governments Solar Hot Water Rebate program, South Australian resident can claim a little bit extra under the South Australian Government's Solar Hot Water Rebate Scheme. The scheme provides for rebates of $500 off the  (depending on panel collection areas and pumping system) on the cost of a new solar hot water system purchased and installed in South Australia on or after 1 July 2009. There are quite a few terms and conditions so be sure you understand them all before applying.

Much like Victoria's scheme of the same name, the Commonwealth backed Renewable Remote Power Generation Program which offers a rebate of up to 50% off the capital cost of essential equipment up to $200,000 for households, communities, not-for-profit organisations, business, government and other organisations not connected to the grid. This rebate also incorporates a Renewable Energy Water Pumping Station program which is available for the renewable energy components of water pumps that displace diesel engine powered pumps in off-grid applications. It is available for business, government and other incorporated organisations.

Purchasing and installing Rain Water Tanks may entitle you to a rebate of between $200 and $1000, depending on how it is plumbed, if it is replacing a tank or if it is increasing the number of tanks. Check the terms and conditions for a full analysis however, compared to other states tank rebates, this one is quite comprehensive.

Other rebates include a $150 Dual Flush Toilet rebate, a $200 Washing Machine rebate and an interesting $100 Garden Goods rebate when $150 or more is spend on specific water efficient garden good (like mulch and compost bins)

-Tasmania

The Tasmanian Government offer rebates on the usual rebate attracting scheme. Much like Victoria and South Australia, they offer the Commonwealth backed Renewable Remote Generation Program, which offers a rebate of up to 50% of the capital cost of essential equipment up to $200,000 for households, communities, not-for-profit organisations, business, government and other organisations not connected to the grid. This rebate also incorporates a Renewable Energy Water Pumping Station program which is available for the renewable energy components of water pumps that displace diesel engine powered pumps in off-grid applications. It is available for business, government and other incorporated organisations.

-Western Australia

The Western Australian government has been quite active in updating and improving their list of products, initiatives or conditions that are eligible for rebates. Whilst some initiatives have been removed for legitimate reasons, like 4 star washing machines soil wetting agents, 3 star shower heads, tap timers and aerobic treatment units, others have been added or had rebate increases.

Developed in conjunction with the Irrigation Association of Australia, the new rebate eligible Waterwise Garden Irrigator Program offer rebates of $300 or 50 per cent (whichever is the lesser amount) toward the cost and installation of a Waterwise irrigation system installed by an approved Waterwise Irrigation Installer. When claiming for installation costs you are also entitle to a rebated on approved Waterwise products such as subsurface irrigation and rain sensors.

Rebates for Domestic Rain Water Tanks have increased also. Tanks with a capacity greater than 600 litres that are not plumbed in are eligible for a rebate of $50, whilst those with a capacity greater than 2,000 litres that are plumbed attract a rebate of up to $600 or 50 per cent of the purchase and plumbing in cost (whichever is the lesser amount) if they are plumbed.

Approved Swimming Pool Covers with a 8 year minimum warranty are eligible for a $200 or 50 per cent of the total cost (whichever is the lesser amount) rebate.

A rebate of up to $500 or 50 per cent of the purchase/installation cost (which ever is the lesser amount) is available for an approved Greywater Re-use Systems.

Installing a Waterwise Rain Sensor will allow you to claim a rebate of  $20 per household.

While 4 star Washing Machines no longer attract a rebate, those with a 4.5 star water efficiency rating or  higher will attract a $150 rebate.

The installation on a new garden bore on a residential property that successfully delivers water will attract a rebate of $300 or 50% of the installation costs for a new bore (which ever is the lesser amount). Adjoining properties sharing a bore will result in the rebate being shared equally between all connected properties. Where an existing bore has to be re-drilled and lined  in order to make it operational again, if the costs are over $600 (excluding pumps, electrical etc) a $300 rebate is available.

Flow Regulators are a great little, cheap and easy water saving device. Regulators rated at 3 or more stars are eligible for a rebate of $2 per regulator. Each household can have a maximum value of $20 of rebates.

The W.A. Government also has a wide array of rebates available strictly to rural areas of W.A that are outside of W.A.'s main electricity grid. There are rebates for ceiling insulation, energy efficient fridges and freezers, air conditioners, energy controllers (like light sensors and push buttons timers), energy audits and four free energy saving compact fluorescent lamps.

-Northern Territory

The Northern Territory have a program called the Make The Switch Renewable Energy Rebate Program. It is only available to remote, off-grid areas of Northern Territory, including Tennant Creek and requires the installation of renewable power systems and solar powered water pumps. The rebate accommodates for up to 50 percent of eligible capital costs.

Additional Material

For further information on hot water system rebates, check out www.hotwaterrebate.com.au. The site is entertainingly set up and allows you to work out quite specifiiclly what states have a hot water system rebate and, by answering a series of tailored questions, how much you can expect to receive back from the rebate.

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The information on this page is offered freely in good faith and completely without commercial interest or bias. It as sourced by scouring governmental web pages, governmental agency web pages, media releases and occasionally calling an office for further clarification. As the content of this page is subject to continual change by all three levels of government, there may be times where the information is no longer current or applicable. aToMik Green make every effort to keep up to date with all governmental rebate schemes, additions and withdrawals however this is quite a time consuming task. aToMik Green will not be held responsible for any cost, loss or damage suffered as a result of relying upon the information contained in this web page should such information be incorrect or should it contain any errors. If you are become aware of any changes to any rebate scheme, please contact us and let us know and we will make any necessary amendments.