The future of your water

Central Highlands Water (CHW) has released a ‘5-year Price Submission Summary’ and is asking for feedback from communities across its service region.

Outlining prices and services for 2023 – 2028, the Summary has been shaped by feedback received over the past 12 months.

The Summary is part of CHW’s obligations to the Essential Services Commission (ESC), which requires a pricing submission every 5 years.

CHW Managing Director, Jeff Haydon, said the company was working to invest heavily in the communities it serves, while also keeping price rises low.

“The submission balances affordability with the need for investment in sewer services for future generations, water security upgrades in response to climate change, customer focused digital technologies, and infrastructure to support community growth across the region,” Mr Haydon said.

“We’re planning a record $256 million investment over the next five years, up from the $149 million during the current capital program. We have listened to our community and, based on their feedback, we have developed three key themes, which include customer care, equity, and sustainability to meet our customers’ needs.

“We will continue to improve our support to all our customers, particularly those in need, by doubling to $2.5 million over the five-year period for our vulnerable customers.”

CHW also plans to work closely with partners, including Traditional Owners, to develop its services, and produce 100 per cent of its electricity via renewable energy by 2025.

The current average annual household water and wastewater charge for CHW customers is $1,234, which equates to $3.38 per day for clean drinking water and removal and treatment of all wastewater.

Customer engagement already completed by CHW has shaped a proposed pricing pathway with a CPI increase only for the first year (2023 – 2024), followed by CPI +1 per cent per annum from 2024 – 2028.

This represents real price increases averaging less than one per cent per annum over the five-year period.

To view the Price Submission Summary and provide your feedback, visit www.chw.net.au/letstalkwater.

Submissions are open until 16 September, with the 2023 Pricing Submission to be lodged with the ESC by 30 September.

Subject to the ESC’s final determination, CHW’s new services and prices will come into effect from 1 July 2023.