GREEN LOANS
The Age
Thursday February 11, 2010
AS ONE of the first independent assessors for the Green Loans, I have found the process constantly frustrating ("Green Loans crisis deepens", The Age, 10/2). There have been technical difficulties and reports do not necessarily reflect householders' needs, and no opportunity for the assessor to make contributions.A proper assessment takes me 2 hours, yet they are churned out by one company in 1. I have heard of assessors just conducting a check list at the kitchen table with the householder and then leaving, without even looking at the house, except to go in the front door.There has been no advertising from the government to enable truly independent assessors to have work. We have been reliant on the public calling in to the Green Loans. But few did, mainly because they did not know about it because the government has not publicised the scheme.Sue King, Surrey HillsIn the 'can't help you' cornerWE WERE pleased with the suggestions from our green assessment. When our report came, however, it was more like a pro forma that didn't include all the areas we discussed. In addition, as we have a cathedral ceiling that cannot be insulated, we were told there is a special paint for the roof that repels the heat €” but it was not covered by Green Loans money.We were given the impression we couldn't be denied a Green Loan. Well, we were denied. We applied to a bank where we already have a credit account. It decided that our income was insufficient. If we don't need this interest-free loan, who does? In anticipation of receiving the loan, we have spent $5000 (which we don't have) for solar panels for electricity.We are trying to become more "green". Although it looks like the government is trying to assist, we keep getting caught in the "can't help you" corner. We're getting tired of promises not being followed through or money pulled before the deadline.Leslye Thies, HeathcoteThe long green waitAT LEAST Linda Domaschenz (Letters, 8/2) has received her Green Loans assessment. Our assessment was done on November 13 and we are yet to receive anything. Though I fear that, as for Ms Domaschenz, there may be a disconnect between what I (an environmental professional of 10 years) and what the assessor (a third-year engineering student) thinks needs to be done.That $10,000 loan would go a long way to securing my wish-list of additional blinds and sunshades, solar hot water and replacing halogen downlights with LED downlights. According to others, it sounds like all I will get is a report telling me things that I already know and am doing.Tiernan Humphrys, East RingwoodTake the Kosky approachPETER Garrett's Green Loans scheme is in tatters, due to administrative incompetence and foreseeable rorting. Garrett should have learnt by now that spin is no substitute for substance.Considering his other blunders over the years, it is clear that Garrett is not up to the job. He should do a Kosky and get out of the way.Mike Puleston, Brunswick
© 2010 The Age
Share This