Cost-of-living relief from concealed leaks

• Relief for South East Queensland households hit with high water bills due to a concealed leak
• New SEQ Bulk Water Concealed Leak Remission Scheme and debt relief
• Remission will be administered through the 5 water service providers in South East Queensland

The Palaszczuk Labor Government is stepping in with relief for homeowners affected by concealed leaks.

Concealed leaks are underground or hidden leaks on a property which can cost people up-to tens of thousands of dollars in unexpected water bills and present real financial hardship to many residents.

The Palaszczuk Government’s South East Queensland Bulk Water Concealed Leak Remission Scheme and debt relief will help people affected by a high water bill from a concealed leak.

This policy provides financial relief on the excess state bulk water charge of 100% for eligible pensioners and 70% for all other customers. This financial relief is on top of the existing remissions schemes administered by the 5 South East Queensland water service providers.

The Palaszczuk Government recognises that there are households currently financially impacted by a concealed leak. A once-off remission will be offered to eligible households who are currently financially impacted in-line with the policy.

In most cases people are not aware of a concealed leak until receiving a high water bill. As, concealed leaks occur after the water meter, homeowners are responsible for the cost of the water and repairs.

This cost-of-living measure recognises that concealed leaks are by their very nature hard to identify, and that people do not intend to waste water.

Homeowners are still encouraged to regularly check their meters for evidence of potential concealed leaks on their properties.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher:

“Queenslanders can always count on the Palaszczuk Labor Government to tackle cost of living pressures. Our concealed leaks relief is further proof we take action and ease these pressures.”

“People facing bill shock from a concealed leak will be better off after this announcement.

“We can do this because we kept our water assets in public hands.

“I am pleased to share that we are also able to provide once-off remission to eligible customers who are currently financially impacted because of a concealed leak. Water service providers will help customers in this situation access the once-off remission.”

Further Information:

Homeowners affected by concealed leaks should contact their water service provider. Details on the scheme will be published on each provider’s website shortly.

Currently, all five southeast Queensland water service providers – Urban Utilities, Unitywater, Redland City Council, Logan City Council, City of Gold Coast – have remission policies that provide relief on the service provider charges, but only some provide limited relief on the state bulk water charge.

Information on the scheme is available on the DRDMW website.

ENDS

Media contact: Lizzy Aboud – 0474 811 004