Prime Minister Kevin Rudd today announced a new fast track process so that homeowners can start applying for free ceiling insulation immediately.
Through the Government's $3.9 billion Energy Efficient Homes Package, households can now apply for one of the following upgrades from today:
* The Homeowner Insulation Program. This installs free ceiling insulation (capped at $1,600) in the homes of eligible owner-occupiers.
* The Low Emission Assistance Plan for Renters. This provides assistance of up to $1,000 for installing insulation in private rental properties.
* The Solar Hot Water Rebate. This provides rebates of up to $1,600 for installation of solar hot water systems.Today's fast track guidelines make it even easier for Australian households to apply for this program.
By visiting the website people can check immediately whether they are eligible, arrange for a skilled tradesperson to do the work and send in their receipts for the rebate.
This package will eventually install ceiling insulation in around 2.7 million homes across the country.
Prime Minister Rudd and Minister Garrett made the announcement while visiting Canberra company Just-Rite insulation - which is one of many Australian small businesses set to benefit from the new fast track process.
The Rudd Government announced the $3.9 billion Energy Efficient Homes package on 3 February 2009 as part of the $42 billion Nation Building and Jobs Plan.
Energy Efficient Homes has been welcomed by industry. It will create thousands of jobs in the manufacturing, distribution and installation of ceiling insulation and solar hot water systems during the global financial crisis.
For more information on the fast track application process please visit http://www.environment.gov.au/energyefficiency/ or call the hotline on 1800 808 571.