Government de-lists dodgy insulation installers
December 3, 2009
Three insulation installers deregistered from the Home Insulation Program are the first to be listed on a publicly available website, Environment Minister Peter Garrett said.
“The list of businesses deregistered from operating under the Home Insulation Program sends a strong message to installers and the public that we take non-compliance with the insulation program requirements seriously,” Mr Garrett said.
“All installers working under this program are on notice – if they break the rules, strong action will be taken to ensure they can no longer access payments and now they can also be named to protect householders.
“The consequences of dodgy behaviour for insulation businesses just got a lot tougher.
Voluntary permanent water saving measures introduced
October 12, 2009
Rous Water and the local councils of Ballina, Byron, Lismore and Richmond Valley have introduced voluntary Permanent Water Saving Measures for all town water users, after its proposal received strong support from the community.
All residents and businesses are encouraged to comply with the measures, to ensure sustainable water use throughout the region.
Changes to the First Home Owners Grant Boost
October 1, 2009
Page MP Janelle Saffin says the stimulus created by the Federal Government’s First Home Owners Grant Boost achieved its purpose by supporting jobs and stabilising the housing sector in our region.
“As previously announced, there will be changes to the First Home Owners Grant Boost commencing today,” Ms Saffin said.
“As a part of Budget 2009-2010 the Australian Government announced an extension to the First Home Owners Boost until 31 December 2009, with changes to the payment from 1 October 2009.
“First home buyers who purchase an established house who were eligible for a $14,000 grant will now still be eligible for a $10,500 grant, while those who sign a contract to buy or construct a new home that were eligible for a $21,000 grant will be eligible for a $14,000 grant. After December 31, 2009, the original $7000 First Home Owners Grant will continue.
Schools across Tweed Shire praised for gardening efforts
September 27, 2009
The students at Murwillumbah South Infants Public School are excited about an upcoming ‘schoolyard blitz’ after winning the inaugural ‘Grow your own Garden’ prize at the 18th annual 2009 Tweed Shire Schools Garden Competition.
The school’s garden will receive a makeover, with sponsor Bunnings providing all the plants, mulch and labour needed to establish a new herb and vegetable garden for the school.
Murwillumbah East Public School students are equally thrilled that all their hard work in their garden paid off after taking out the John O’Reilly Memorial ‘Judges’ choice’ perpetual trophy. The school also won the Best Large School Garden category and were placed second in the Schools Garden Project.
Designer Natalie Wilkin picks up award for Tommy’s Tavern work
July 30, 2009
Lismore’s Natalie Wilkin of NW Design has been awarded Regional Subcontractor of the Year at the 2009 Master Builders Association Building Awards for her interior design and building design of Tommy’s Tavern. John Larkin construction also won best hospitality venue for Tommy’s Tavern at the awards.
Held at the Ballina RSL last Saturday night, the Awards recognised ‘diversity of design and excellence in crafstmanship’ on the North Coast.
Twenty-seven year old Natalie was solely responsible for both the interior design and fitout and building design of the iconic tavern.
Other refurbishments she has completed recently include the Lismore greyhound track, Café Wa in Maclean and Bangalow Hairdressing, as well as numerous residential extensions, renovations and new house designs.
No upfront payment needed for home insulation after July 1
March 4, 2009
Home owners do not need to pay upfront for the Rudd Government’s Homeowner Insulation Program, if they wait until July 1.
“The Homeowners Insulation Program is a key part of the Rudd Government’s Energy Efficient Homes Package which aims to improve the energy rating of Australian homes and help home owners save on their electricity bills,” Member for Page Janelle Saffin said.
“The program offers free insulation worth up to $1600 to eligible Australian home owner-occupiers of currently uninsulated homes.
“From the first of July eligible home owners will gain access to a free-call booking and installation service which will arrange for a qualified installer to visit the home and install free ceiling insulation (up to $1600). The homeowner can then avoid upfront costs.
“Because of the huge interest in the Homeowners Insulation Program, the Government has announced details of a program for early installation, for eligible homeowners who install ceiling insulation between February 3 and July 1, 2009.
“Under the early installation program, eligible applicants will be able to seek reimbursement up to a maximum amount of $1600 if they arrange for an authorised installer to install ceiling insulation between February 3, and July 1, 2009 and meet the application requirements.
“People wanting to take advantage of the early installation program need to ring the hotline on 1800 808 571 and they will be sent an information package and application forms. They can return the forms after installation and will be reimbursed within eight weeks.”
More information is available on the website at www.environment.gov.au/energyefficiency or by ringing the hotline 1800 808 57.
Free ceiling insulation plan now in operation
February 26, 2009
Page MP Janelle Saffin has welcomed today’s announcement that homeowners can start applying for free ceiling insulation immediately.
Ms Saffin said: “I have had so many inquiries from people right across Page who are keen to take advantage of the free insulation. I can now let them know they can apply from today.
“Many local businesses which supply and install ceiling insulation will have to prepare for a boom in business, going by the level of interest in this program.”
Through the Government’s $3.9 billion Energy Efficient Homes package, households can now apply for one of the following upgrades:
Recycle Right during National Recycling Week
November 8, 2008
The North East Waste Forum and local councils are encouraging people to Recycle Right, to conserve resources, to reduce contamination, to save water, and to combat climate change by reducing carbon emissions during National Recycling Week, November 10 to 16.
Recycling was one thing that residents could do to help address climate change, said co-ordinator of the North East Waste Forum, Gordon Fraser-Quick.
Mr Fraser-Quick said the more we recycled, the greater the environmental benefit was because we were not only minimising the output of carbon dioxide – which was the biggest contributor to climate change – but we’re also conserving valuable resources and saving vast amounts of water and energy.
“Last financial year more than 17,000 tonnes of recyclable household waste was recycled in the NEWF region of Byron Shire, Tweed Shire, Ballina Shire, Clarence Valley, Richmond Valley and Kyogle Council areas,” he said.
Evan finds a great new home at Elevation
October 13, 2008
Elevation at Lennox Head has just released their best land yet.
The release of Stage Two of the celebrated community by joint venture partners Indigo and Urbex has stirred the development industry both locally and interstate.
But it’s the local buyers who are jumping up and down about this new hilltop release.
Local vet Evan Kosack (pictured) is sitting pretty with his purchase at Elevation.
Forums will give the lowdown on buying moveable dwellings
October 13, 2008
Forums will be held in early November to provide free legal information and advice for people who are thinking of buying into or selling out of moveable dwellings in a caravan park.
There will be two forums – one in Ballina on Tuesday 4 November 2008, and the other in Tweed Heads on Wednesday 5 November 2008.
