The Victorian Government is helping regional Victorians who lost critical household water infrastructure in the 2019-20 bushfires with up to $20,000 available to replace rainwater and septic tanks.
Minister for Water Lisa Neville today announced the $7.5 million Rainwater and Septic Tank Replacement Program ensuring access to safe drinking water.
Rebates, of up to $15,000 for septic tanks and $3,000 for household rainwater tanks, are available to cover up to half of the costs of the purchase and installation of new primary use tank systems to residents rebuilding homes.
To assist with the installation process, up to $1,500 funding is available for any combination of assessments required to get council approval to install or alter a septic system including condition reports undertaken by a qualified plumber and Land Capability Assessments.
Further funding of up to $500 is available to cover the initial refill of a rainwater tank installed as part of the program.
Rebates of up to $2,500 are also available for minor repairs or reconnections required for undamaged tank systems that comply with current standards.
The program is available to households in Alpine, Towong and East Gippsland shires, not connected to reticulated urban water systems, for the replacement, minor repairs or reconnection of primary use rainwater and septic tanks at their primary place of residence.
Rebates are available for works completed since 21 November 2019 and until 31 May 2023.
Using local suppliers is encouraged to help support the ongoing recovery of local communities.
The rebate program is funded through the Victorian and Commonwealth Government’s $86 million Community Recovery Package to assist the recovery efforts of communities in fire-affected regions across Victoria.
Earlier this year the Government supported vital bushfire recovery efforts through a $10.3 million investment to restore waterway health and rebuild water infrastructure in East Gippsland and North East Victoria that was damaged or destroyed by last summer’s bushfires.
To apply for the rebates contact your local Bushfire Recovery Victoria hub or visit .
Quotes attributable to Minister for Water Lisa Neville
“This program not only helps residents replace lost infrastructure – it installs more sustainable systems that will secure household water supplies and benefits our environment.”
“Having a quality water supply and septic system is a vital part of getting life back to normal in these areas that experienced these terrible fires.”
“We are behind regional Victoria and are doing everything we can to get people back on their feet.”
Reviewed 26 August 2020