INSULATION COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
Insulation program would fail on lower rebate
The Insulation Council of Australia and New Zealand (ICANZ) today said that any further reduction in
the insulation rebate below a maximum of $1200 would see the Energy Efficiency Homes program
fail.
Mr D’Arcy, ICANZ CEO said, previous experience with lower rebates offered by state governments
had marginal take up because of the cost disincentive for homeowners and landlords.
“The Federal Government’s program specifically targets a long standing market failure
which has
resulted in nearly 40 percent of Australia homes being uninsulated and unnecessarily wasting energy
and money for householders. This program is designed to address this shortfall of over two million
uninsulated homes and therefore the incentive must be geared accordingly.
“Many companies have invested heavily in gearing up capacity to meet expected demand generated
by up to a $1600 incentive. Further reducing funding below the $1200 would be irresponsible and
send the industry into disarray, with resulting job losses and planned investment.
“This much needed economic stimulus is still required to maintain the jobs that have been preserved
and created under the program,” Mr D’Arcy said.
“At a $1200
level of funding, we believe the program is still
viable because any small incremental
costs incurred by homeowners can be recovered quickly in the savings achieved on energy bills. And
by correctly installing the right insulation, these savings will continue on for the life of the home.
“There are still more than a million homes in Australia that potentially are without insulation and we
expect them to take up this unique opportunity to offset rising energy costs while the $1200 rebate is
still on offer.
“Once installed correctly, ceiling
insulation improves
comfort
and general
wellbeing
of
home
occupants. It also reduces greenhouse emissions and will save hundreds of dollars on heating and
cooling costs for the life of the building,” Mr D’Arcy added.
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Media inquiries: Glenn Schaube: 0439 320 151 GRS Communications
Media Release
3
November 2009
NEWS 
