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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 7 Hansard (26 June) . . Page.. 2705 ..

(1) Neither ACTEW nor ActewAGL operate a grey water system for Canberra households.

However, ActewAGL does operate, on behalf of ACTEW, several sewerage re-use schemes in which sewage is collected from certain sites for treatment before being re-distributed for irrigation purposes.

I am advised that these effluent re-use schemes currently have four large customers, namely:

- the Department of Defence;

- Sport and Recreation ACT;

- the Belconnen Golf Course; and

- BRL Hardy Vineyard.

(2) The four customers identified in response to Question (1) are business customers.

(3) Since ACTEW does not have a grey water network, there are no charges for grey water re-use.

The sewerage re-use schemes operated by ActewAGL on behalf of ACTEW do not have a connection fee. However, customers are generally required to meet a proportion of the infrastructure connection costs. Depending on the particular scheme and associated infrastructure costs, customers are charged a proportion of the equivalent potable water charge. For instance, the Southwell Park irrigation scheme includes a charge of 75% of the equivalent annual potable water charge. Effluent pumped from the Lower Molonglo Water Quality Control Centre for irrigation purposes, is priced at around 10% of the potable water price.

(4) ACTEW does not have a grey water system to which residents can be connected.

A common approach is for householders to install a system to collect and treat grey water or sewerage for re-use on site. These systems are owned and operated by the householder and regulated by the ACT Planning and Land Authority, ACT Health and Environment ACT.

An integrated domestic re-use scheme implemented at the time of construction, which utilizes grey water and a rainwater tank, can save around 45% of water use. It is more expensive to install the system to an existing house.

(5) ActewAGL does not have a grey water network. However, I am advised that the cost of a on-site grey water re-use system, which is owned and managed by the householder, varies greatly depending on the nature of the site. Rainwater and grey water systems incorporated into the design of a new house may cost between $5,000 and $10,000.

Concessional leases

(Question No 788)

Mrs Dunne asked the Minister for Planning, upon notice:

In relation to concessional leases

(1) How many concessional leases are currently issued in the ACT.

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