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Questions On Notice Questions on notice are usually asked when a more detailed answer is required and are in writing, and are forwarded by the Clerk of the Parliament to the relevant Minister who prepares a written answer which is presented to Parliament.
MR LAWLOR asked the Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries (MR MULHERIN)-
QUESTION:
How is the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries making savings in water use at its facilities?
ANSWER:
In line with industry and the community, the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) is also strongly committed toward maximising water efficiency. DPI&F is developing a water saving plan for implementation across all Queensland DPI&F facilities. The water saving plan will mandate the installation of water efficiency improvements such as flow restrictors, and water efficient showerheads, toilets and urinals to promote further water saving.
The water saving plan will also outline the need to explore alternative water sources and solutions such as rain water tanks and the reuse of grey water to enable DPI&F business continuity. DPI&F has committed funding of $307,000 in 2007-08 for the implementation of water saving initiatives. DPI&F has already reduced its water consumption to meet the water restrictions in South East Queensland. DPI&F has engaged Water Efficiency Assessors to assist DPI&F develop and submit Water Efficiency Management Plans (WEMP's) for 14 DPI&F facilities in South East Queensland. Similar arrangements for South Region centres at Toowoomba, namely the Tor Street complex and the Leslie Research Centre, have ensured compliance with the level five water restrictions.
DPI&F has undertaken a variety of approaches to reduce its water consumption including:
• Repairing pipes and leaks;
• Installation of water efficient equipment including taps, shower heads, flow regulators, dual flush toilets, urinals and modifying cooling towers;
• Installing rain water tanks, recycling water and using bore water to reduce the use of town water;
• Terminating or modifying work processes such as eliminating overhead sprinkler systems, not washing vehicles, introducing push button watering wands, using trigger sprays, closing paddocks and glasshouses and covering fish holding tanks to reduce evaporation;
• Modifying gardens through the planting of drought tolerant species and application of heavy mulching; and
• Facility Managers providing ongoing staff education on water saving has ensured that DPI&F staff become keen water savers both at work as well as at home. Last changed: [PUBLISHED_DATE] at 9:19 AM
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