February 17, 2009

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

KEEPING THE SOUTH EAST INFORMED SINCE 1861

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Insulation boom BY ANELIA BLACKIE

Email: [email protected]

SOUTH East roof insulation businesses are preparing for a boom after insulation rebates were announced as part of the Federal Government’s stimulus package that passed the Senate on Friday. Both MG Plasterers and Gaylard Plaster and Insulation have been inundated with calls from South East residents wanting to take advantage of a rebate up to $1600 for ceiling insulation, which comes into effect on July 1.

“We may have to employ three or four more people in the next few months to do the work,” said MG Plasterers managing director Matt Patzel. “We have had many calls from residents and we have already registered with the government as an insulation installer. It will be good for business and it will be good for the town.” Gaylard Plaster and Insulation managing director Henry Gaylard said residents would be “foolish” not to take advantage of the rebate. “It costs around $1200 to $1300 to insulate a three to four bedroom home, so with the rebate it could cost the homeowner nothing to have

it installed,” Mr Gaylard said. “We currently install insulation to about 15 homes a month, but we are expecting business to triple for a while when the rebates come into effect.” Under the Energy Efficient Homes package passed through the Senate last week, the Federal Government will provide $2.7 billion over two and a half years for the purchase and installation of ceiling insulation in an estimated 2.2 million homes. Although the program offers a maximum rebate of $1600 per eligible homeowner from July 1, an interim arrangement allows homeowners who are installing

insulation between February 3 and June 30 to keep their receipts and seek reimbursement when the offer comes into effect. The government’s Energy Efficient Homes Package also allows eligible landlords a rebate of up to $1000 to install thermal insulation in their rental properties. The Insulation Council of Australia and New Zealand (ICANZ) has welcomed the package as a necessary and important step on the path towards achieving world class energy efficient housing in Australia. “By installing the right insulation correctly, householders and

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homeowners will benefit by saving on the cost of heating and cooling and by enjoying improved comfort levels and well-being, especially during times of temperature extremes,” chief executive Dennis D’Arcy said. “The Energy Efficient Homes Package is a sensible and vital requirement if Australia is to play its part in cubing burgeoning energy demand and greenhouse emissions and we welcome the passing of this package.” Guidelines on eligibility will be available on February 26 by calling 1800 808 571 or by visiting www.environment.gov.au/ energyefficiency.

Beached at Beachport pBeached: Professional and recreational fishing was hard work at Beachport over the weekend, with some skippers bringing vessels into the boat ramp at low tide getting stranded. A combination of extremely low tides and a build up of sand rendered many outboards useless on Saturday. Sheer muscle power was the order of the day as fishermen struggled to pull in their boats, while several tied them to the jetty for unloading. Picture: PETER CHARLTON.

WEATHER

Mount Gambier Today - Fine. Partly cloudy. 30o – full report page 23

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Mount Glass & Glazing has quality security doors and screens in a style to suit your home without compromising on security

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Display centre: 33 Crouch Street South, Mount Gambier

Phone 8725 0733 Visit our website: www.mountglass.com.au

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