October 18, 2018
Toowoomba Regional Council ratepayers will face between a 4.1 and 6 per cent rise in water charges after a review by the Queensland Treasury Corporation.
Residents will begin receiving their water rates notices from the end of this week.
Portfolio holder Cr Mike Williams said Council had adopted a split pricing approach for the first time this year:
- Residential properties – 4.1 per cent increase
- Non-residential properties – 6 per cent increase.
“We planned a split pricing approach to ensure the water business remains on a sustainable path,” Cr Williams said.
“Unlike many other councils, we operate our own extensive water network that supplies clean water to over 160,000 consumers.
“By using the split pricing approach, the impact on water rates notices will vary depending on the property category and level of water consumption.
“Council has a legislative responsibility to ensure infrastructure assets are sustainably managed and maintained.
“Our water business consists of over $1.4 billion in infrastructure, which is in need of significant renewal or replacement investment; this is the primary contributor to the change in water pricing.
“To ensure this is a responsible approach, Council has received independent advice from the Queensland Treasury Corporation (QTC).
“Following their comprehensive review, the QTC has supported a change to Council’s water pricing regime and the positive influence this will have on the long-term sustainability of the community’s water supply.”
