Loans moan follows insulation drama

HOT on the heels of the foil insulation for roofs tragedy, Environment Minister Peter Garrett is fighting off complaints about his department’s Green Loans scheme.

The program helps homeowners to install solar, water-saving and energy-efficient products.

About 9000 assessors have been employed to inspect homes.

Ipswich sustainability assessor Cassie McMahon has seen close to 60 households since November in Ipswich and greater Brisbane.

She says the program has been mismanaged by the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA).

“As an independent assessor, I am unable to make bookings through the call centre which is required prior to me doing the assessment,” she said.

“The call centre is constantly engaged, or stating ‘we are receiving a high number of calls’ and suggests that we call back, then hangs up.

“If assessors are able to get through, it is common to be on hold for about an hour, occasionally two hours.”

Ms McMahon said householders waiting for their reports usually needed to contact DEWHA via the call centre before they could apply for a Green Loan of up to $10,000 interest-free for up to four years.

“I chose this program because it was a way for me to gain an income by doing what I’m passionate about – promoting sustainability,” she said.

“This program is great in principle, but the system is broken.”

Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said the government was “working on the issue”.

An independent inquiry had been set up on February 9 relating to “contractual agreements and procurement processes”, including call centre waiting times and resourcing.

“There are elements of the program that aren’t working as effectively as they could,” Mr Neumann said.

“I’m assured that these things will be addressed.”