Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Annual Report 2011–12
Operation of the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Act 2005
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- 2011–12 highlights
- Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Amendment (Scheme Enhancements) Bill 2012
- WELS Scheme Strategic Plan 2012–15
- Changes to the WELS scheme
- Operational aspects of the Act
Operation of the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Act 2005PurposeThe Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Act 2005 (the WELS Act) provides for the operation of a national Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme, implemented cooperatively by Australian, state and territory governments. The scheme aims to reduce the demand for water by requiring that comparative water efficiency information be provided to prospective purchasers of specified water-using products, setting mandatory minimum water efficiency standards in some instances and promoting the adoption of water efficient technologies. Showers, dishwashers, clothes washing machines, toilet equipment (including urinals) and taps must be registered with the scheme and display a water efficiency rating label when offered for supply. Registration of flow controllers is currently optional. Minimum water efficiency requirements are specified for clothes washing machines and toilets. From studies undertaken for the department, it is estimated that the current scheme will reduce domestic water use by more than 800gigalitres between 2005 and 2021. Photo of a front load washing machine with a water rating label. (Mark Mohell)
Joint governments’ response to the independent review of the WELS schemeIn 2010, Dr Chris Guest undertook an independent review (the review) of the first five years of operation of the WELS scheme, consistent with the requirements of section 76 of the WELS Act. The review considered the appropriateness, effectiveness and efficiency of the scheme and made recommendations for its improvement. The final report on the Independent Review of the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Scheme was completed on 30 June 2010. The Standing Council on Environment and Water (SCEW) released a response to the review on 30 November 2011. The final report and response are available at The SCEW agreed to recommendations for a strategic plan and a number of changes to the governance, compliance and administration of the WELS scheme. Changes to the operation of the WELS scheme and supporting legislation are required to implement these recommendations. In February 2012 the department released a consultation paper to canvass views on the proposed changes to the WELS scheme. Stakeholder forums were held in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne in February 2012. A total of 119 submissions were received by the department. The consultation paper and submissions to this paper are available at Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Amendment (Scheme Enhancements) Bill 2012The Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Amendment (Scheme Enhancements) Bill 2012 passed through Parliament on 26 June 2012. The Bill came into effect on 23July2012. It strengthens the national WELS scheme by imposing new enforcement mechanisms and civil penalties, and by redefining ‘supply’. Other provisions will commence at a later date to be specified through proclamation. These include provisions allowing the minister to determine more details of the WELS scheme, such as the registration of products. The Bill also implements a recommendation of the independent review that provisions for the voluntary registration of products under the scheme be removed. This change is set to commence from 1 November 2013. WELS Scheme Strategic Plan 2012–15As recommended by the review, a three-year strategic plan and budget was developed. The 2012–15 WELS Strategic Plan was released in November 2011 and implemented from 1 July 2012. It provides an action plan, budget, timeline, performance measures and responsibilities for the next three years of the scheme. It also provides for a registration fee structure that is to recover 80percent of the WELS scheme’s operating costs, with governments contributing the remaining 20 percent. The WELS Scheme Strategic Plan 2012–15 is available at Changes to the WELS schemeOn 1 November 2011 a new WELS standard took effect through the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Determination 2011, which replaced the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Determination 2007. The new standard includes all current amendments (1–5) made to Australian and New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 6400:2005 Water efficient products–Rating and labelling. Key changes for WELS products in the new standard are listed below.
Operational aspects of the ActSince 1 July 2005, 23283 product models have been registered under the scheme. The number of product models registered in 2011–12 was 8219. During 2011–12 the department’s Water Information Line received more than 864 telephone inquiries on its 1800 number regarding the WELS scheme. In addition, WELS scheme staff provided individual assistance to product manufacturers and suppliers, particularly giving guidance on product registrations, through telephone and online enquiries. Directory: system -> files -> resources resources -> Environmental Best Practice Port Development: An Analysis of International Approaches resources -> The National Heritage List and Commonwealth Heritage List: 1 july 2008 30 june 2013 resources -> Reference list for water related coal seam gas and coal mining research resources -> Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators isd sections of Law resources -> Executive Summary 3 Background 4 Developing the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme 4 resources -> Threat abatement plan for disease in natural ecosystems caused by resources -> Sawfish and River Sharks Multispecies Issues Paper resources -> Wildlife Trade Management Plan – Queensland Crocodile Farming Download 5.6 Mb. Share with your friends:
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