Stop price shocks with fairer SEQ water bill

SEQ residents will see fairer, more consistent water prices for the next three years following recommendations from the Queensland Competition Authority.

Minister for Natural Resources Mines and Energy, Dr Anthony Lynham has written to all SEQ councils advising them of the price of bulk water for the next three years.

“Our investment in bulk water infrastructure as a result of the millennium drought provides South East Queensland with long-term water security and resilience against future droughts and floods.

“Last year the independent QCA was asked to review Seqwater’s proposed bulk water costs and to recommend prices for bulk water for the next three years.

“The QCA recommended two price path options and after carefully considering their report, the bulk water supply code, and stakeholder submissions, I have decided to implement the smoothed pricing option from 1 July 2018.

“Under this price path, price increases are set over three years with all council areas reaching the common price of $3.12 per kilolitre on 1 July 2020. 

“The QCA review also found significant efficiencies in Seqwater’s proposed bulk water cost, with the savings directly benefiting customers.

“Reducing cost of living pressures is always front of mind for the Palaszczuk Government, which is why I have chosen the price path that provides the most certainty and limits the potential impacts on customers,” Dr Lynham said.

Under the 2018 bulk water prices:

• Sunshine Coast and Noosa residents, who have not yet reached the common price, will see the bulk water component of their total water bill increase approximately 6 per cent per year or approximately $27 per year for an average household - until June 2021
• Redland residents, who have not yet reached the common price, will see the bulk water component of their total water bill increase approximately 7.3 per cent or approximately $30 per year for an average household.
• All other SEQ councils will see bills increase by 3.5 per cent per year until June 30 2021 - approximately $16 per year for an average household.

The Sunshine Coast and Noosa and Redlands residents were at lower price levels and had smaller price increases on the previous price path. The higher increases these areas are now facing will see them catch up to the common price.

The Queensland Government provides eligible pensioners a subsidy of up to $120 each year off the cost of water access and usage charges for properties in South East Queensland.

Eligibility requirements and terms and conditions for the SEQ water subsidy can be found at https://www.qld.gov.au/community/cost-of-living-support/water-subsidy.

The final report, including recommended SEQ bulk water process, was published on the www.qca.org.au on 9 April 2018.

Media contact: David Potter 0428 411 617