Media release – TasWater, 27 May 2024
Price certainty continues for TasWater customers
TasWater prices will rise by 3.5 per cent from 1 July this year, an increase of just 12.6 cents per day on the average residential customer’s bill across Tasmania.
This will be the third consecutive year where price increases have been kept at 3.5 percent, following two years where prices were frozen at zero percent. The independently assessed four-year price and service plan continues to provide Tasmanians with certainty on their water and sewerage bill increases until 1 July 2026.
TasWater General Manager Customer and Community Matt Balfe said while price certainty allowed customers to prepare for the modest increase, supporting customers experiencing financial hardship was an important part of the organisation’s role.
“The 3.5 per cent increase is well below inflation, seeing an average household’s water and sewerage bill increase by about eighty-eight cents per week,” Mr Balfe said.
“We know many Tasmanians are doing it tough right now, so it’s more important than ever that we keep downward pressure on bills. For those who need support, we’re here to help through TasWater Assist. It’s as simple as calling 13 6992, getting in touch via webchat, filling out a simple form online, or dropping into one of our Customer Information Centres in Devonport, Launceston or Moonah.
“We know that can be a confronting call to make or message to write for the first time, but our team are ready to help.”
TasWater is facing rising costs associated with its operations, maintaining 38 per cent of all major water utility treatment plants in Australia for just two per cent of the population. This includes maintenance and upgrade of 169 treatment plants, 952 water and sewerage pump stations, 289 water reservoirs and over 11,500 km of pipeline.
“We’re investing $1.9 billion across our assets over the next five years to ensure we can continue to deliver exceptional water and sewerage services for a thriving Tasmania,” said Mr Balfe.
“We have some big challenges to face to ensure the security of safe, reliable water for generations to come.”
Mr Balfe said that while price increases for the next two years are already locked in, now was the time for the community to have their say on the organisation’s next price and services plan.
“With inflation and increased cost of operations, prices will likely increase in our next Pricing Plan. That’s why we’re currently inviting all Tasmanians to join in the conversation about shaping our water future together, finding the right balance between price and service that will help the state thrive now and in the future,” he said.
“This is the largest scale community engagement we’ve ever undertaken, and we are excited to get as many Tasmanians on board for the ride as possible.
“By understanding local experiences and expectations we will be better able to deliver a plan that meets their needs when it comes to the supply of water and sewerage services and our contribution to the Tasmanian community as a whole.”
Tasmanians are encouraged to participate by visiting www.TasWater.com.au/yoursay TasWater’s prices are regulated for a four-year period, with its last Price and Service Plan (PSP4) coming into effect on 1 July 2022.
For more information on TasWater Assist visit www.taswater.com.au/CSP.
James the 2nd Last
May 27, 2024 at 14:09
This bloated bureaucracy continues to astonish. Headworks charges have risen dramatically statewide since they took the reins. They have single-handedly almost destroyed new home builder chances of building their first home, especially on new allotments.
Then we read spin like “exceptional water and sewerage services for a thriving Tasmania” – really?
We continue to pay more with no incentives to conserve water because the “basic” connection costs are higher and ongoing. If water and sewerage run past your door – you get billed – but for what?
Joe Public
May 28, 2024 at 10:23
When you live in an area with water and sewerage services you are billed for water and sewerage pipes that run past your door because you have the ability to connect these pipes at anytime. TasWater has to spend money upfront to construct the pipes to a size that can accommodate your new and potential connection, and it then has to spend money on maintaining those pipes. So it only makes sense to me that you would need to pay for some of this cost.
Alternately, you could choose to live in an area that does not have water and sewerage services – in which case you won’t receive any bills from TasWater.
Regarding the statement “exceptional water and sewerage services for a thriving Tasmania” – I agree, this sounds like spin.