PO Box 456,
91 Hammond Ave,
Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 Australia
Phone: 02 69220608
Fax: 02 69212241

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The Nature Strip Rebate Scheme, announced in December 2011, involves replacing irrigated lawn on nature strips with an approved water efficient design.

The incentive scheme, which is a first of its kind in Australia, aims to encourage residents to think sustainably and consider ways of reducing water usage while maintaining Wagga Wagga's beautiful cityscape.

Wagga Wagga residential water customers may be eligible for a financial rebate if they participate in the scheme.

The scheme, which is set to expand to Riverina Water customers outside of Wagga from July 2012, is partially funded through Riverina Water County Council (RWCC) and the Australian Government's Water For The Future initiative through the Strengthening Basin Communities program.

Why reduce lawn area?
Wagga's current levels of water use are unsustainable and over 50 per cent of our summer water is used on residential lawns and gardens. Riverina Water is focusing on strategies to ensure the city uses less water in the future. One way of doing this is to reduce the amount of lawn.

Lawn alternative will require less watering and less maintenance - saving time and money and promoting a more sustainable level of water usage.

There are many alternatives to lawn including drought-tolerant plant species. Local suppliers will increasingly stock these water saving plants.

Am I eligible for a rebate?
Eligibility for the rebate is subject to strict conditions and individual assessment by Riverina Water and is based on nature strip size, current and historical water consumption, and lawn condition.

Rebate funding is limited and will be distributed on a first-come first-served basis to customers who have replaced lawn on their nature strips with alternative water efficient gardens, in accordance with Wagga Wagga City Council guidelines.

NOTE - Rebates will not be offered without assessment and approval by Riverina Water of existing lawn nature strips.

What do I do next?
Don't do anything yet! The middle of summer not a good time to plant. Peak planting season is Autumn 2012.

Information packs, including eligibility conditions and application forms, will be available from this website and the RWCC office in late January 2012.

Click here to view frequently asked questions.

Contact RWCC
Phone 02 6922 0636
Address 91 Hammond Ave, Wagga Wagga