New charges in draft
A GWMWater 2013-18 draft water plan open for public comment includes the introduction of a formal $16 recreation water charge for water customers.
The charge supports discounted water supplied to recreation lakes and sporting clubs that use large amounts of water.
The plan, the third the corporation has prepared for consideration by the Essential Services Commission, also includes 2012-13 tariff increases of three percent for urban water and wastewater services, 2.5 percent for rural and domestic stock supply, irrigation and bulk water and 17 percent for ground water. The increases exclude Consumer Price Index changes.
Completion of the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline during the Water Plan 2 period has secured water supplies for our customers in the short to medium term,” Mr Williams said.
“Our attention has now turned to maintaining and, wherever possible, improving service standards while keeping the cost of our services affordable for our customers.”
A key focus of the plan is water-quality improvements in Donald, Rupanyup, Minyip, Wycheproof and Quambatook. It has also foreshadowed water-quality improvements for Brim Beulah, Woomelang and Sea Lake.
It proposes a new sewerage scheme for Rupanyup and wastewater treatment upgrades at Dimboola and Donald.
GWMWater has valued its capital works program during the five-year period at $72 million, down from $102 million in 2008-13, excluding the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline Project.
Balance
Mr Williams said the GWMWater board believed the draft Water Plan provided the right balance between the corporation’s ongoing commitments to improved service standards while keeping costs affordable to customers.
“We have already undertaken substantial customer consultation on many issues, but for some the 2013-2018 Water Plan is the first time we have engaged the community,” he said.
- Get the full story in the July 5, 2012 edition of The Weekly Advertiser.
Short URL: http://www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au/?p=10208
Posted on Jul 4 2012
Posted by Weekly Advertiser
on Jul 4 2012. Filed under News.
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