Another 2,500 social housing tenants now have the chance to upgrade their washing machine for as little as $150, to help save water and ease the cost of living, after the NSW Government expanded its successful washing machine replacement pilot.
Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said there had been a record response to the new program since it launched in April, which is why the government is almost doubling the number of available machines and rolling out the program statewide.
“The pilot has received rave reviews, already replacing almost 2,500 old top loaders with more water and energy efficient front loaders in only two months,” Mr Anderson said.
“To keep the ball rolling and save even more water we’re now opening up the program to all social housing tenants across NSW from Menindee to Moree, Bombala to Byron Bay and Sydney to Singleton and everywhere in between.
“We have increased the total number of washing machines to 5,500. Each of these will save approximately 25,000 litres of water per year, which means that in one year the program could save enough water to fill 55 Olympic Swimming pools.
“Water is a precious and limited resource and every drop we save through water efficiency programs like this makes a huge difference.”
Minister for Planning and Homes Anthony Roberts said the water efficiency program is also lowering everyday living costs.
“By upgrading their washing machine from a top loader to a front loader we’re helping households make real hip pocket savings by reducing annual household electricity bills and detergent costs by an average of $245,” Mr Roberts said.
“This means the upfront fee to replace the washing machine is likely to be recovered in the first year of ownership making it great value for money for people on low incomes.
“Given the popularity of the pilot I encourage households to apply immediately.”
Raymond Grant who received a new washing machine through the pilot said the program arrived at the perfect time.
“The weekend before this program began my old machine died, so it was honestly a game changer,” Mr Grant said.
“Without this pilot program I simply wouldn’t have had the means to replace my machine.
“I whole heartedly encourage everyone that’s eligible to make the most of this great NSW Government program and upgrade to a new front loader for a fraction of the regular price.”
Spokesperson of Community Housing Industry Association, Caitlin McDowell said the NSW Governments’ decision to expand the eligibility criteria of this program to all social housing tenants with top loaders is great news.
“Replacing ageing whitegoods like washing machines is ordinarily very costly and only adds burden on families who may already be doing it tough,” Ms McDowell said.
“This program will offer a simple but significant change to the lives of 5,500 people in social housing, making a typically expensive household item affordable to buy.”
The online application is a simple and easy process which only takes 10 minutes to complete.
Successful applicants will be able to choose between three different sized machines, and will pay a corresponding fee of $150, $200 or $250 which includes delivery, installation and the removal and recycling of their old appliance.
Eligible households have until 30 September to apply or until washing machines are all allocated.
For more information or to check your eligibility visit: https://washingmachines.water.dpe.nsw.gov.au/
