Bills to rise, but below inflation rate

WATER bills will increase by $65 annually on average from next month under new pricing from Barwon Water.

But Barwon Water said its prices were still among the lowest of similar-sized water corporations across Australia and said its submissions aimed to minimise financial impact to its customers.

The Essential Services Commission (ESC) announced last Friday (June 23) it had reached a final decision on the regional water authority’s five-year pricing plan, which provides a framework for bills through to June 2028.

A typical yearly water and sewage bill for residential homeowners will increase by 6.1 per cent, from $1,076 to $1,141, starting July 1.

The following years will see costs decrease by 0.9 per cent yearly before inflation.

The increase comes after Barwon Water had initially predicted it would lower prices over the five-year period in an earlier draft of the pricing plan last year.

Interim Managing Director Shaun Cumming said the authority has kept its price rise below the inflation rate, was 7 per cent in the year to March.

“By reducing prices in real terms, we have tried to shield our customers from the full impact of inflation. And 2023/24 bills for residential owner occupiers are 18 per cent lower in real terms than 10 years ago.

“Anyone who needs help to manage their water bill receives assistance from us,” Mr Cumming said, noting that anyone can experience financial stress at any time.

“Financial difficulties can affect anybody, and we urge our customers to reach out for assistance rather than dealing with the stress on their own. Our empathetic support team is here to assist and have a respectful, completely confidential conversation about our wide range of customer support options.”

The final decision today followed Barwon Water’s submission of a draft in March that opened to community consultation including a public forum in April

The pricing plan also includes commitments from Barwon Water to invest $549 million of its revenue into improvement and maintenance projects across its network.

The process found that customer priorities were safe, secure, sustainable water; innovative, reliable services; a healthier environment; trust, affordability and value.

Barwon Water also indicated it would build on its engagement with customers and the community, and continue its support for Traditional Owner self-determination by taking a partnership approach to land and waterways management.