Coliban Water continues support for Harcourt customers
Coliban Water has announced a package of bill relief and support for its customers in Harcourt following the bushfires that impacted the community on 9 January.
Managing Director, Damian Wells, said the Bushfire Bill Relief Program was designed to directly assist those most impacted by the fires and contribute to the community’s broader recovery effort.
“We know the fires have had a devastating impact on the whole community, and we know the road to recovery for Harcourt will be a long one.
“We hope the support we’re providing will have an immediate positive impact for the whole community and ease some of the financial pressure for customers who have experienced the loss of their home or business,” he said.
For its urban customers in Harcourt who lost their primary dwelling or business to the January fires Coliban Water will waive its entire bill for the current quarter and waive its fixed services charges for the following quarter.
“This means customers who lost their homes will pay nothing now and only pay for any water they use on their property in the following quarter,” Mr Wells explained.
“We’re also providing bill relief for our rural customers who access water from our network of rural channels and pipelines and are billed using a different structure.
“All rural customers will receive $450 in bill relief, including a $300 rebate off their current bill and a further $150 rebate off their next bill. They may also be entitled to an additional $500 if their primary dwelling was destroyed by the fires,” Mr Wells said.
Coliban Water will communicate directly with individual customers to explain the bill relief entitlements.
As part of its Community Rebates Program, Coliban Water announced an additional $6,000 contribution to the Harcourt Progress Association who are supporting local recovery efforts.
“We recognise the widespread impact the fires will continue to have on the whole community. Our contribution will ensure our whole-of-community support following the Do Not Drink Advisory caused by the fires can be directed exactly where the community believes it will be best spent.”
Mr Wells said Coliban Water had structured its Bushfire Bill Relief Program to provide as much immediate support as possible but acknowledged the social and economic impacts would likely extend beyond this.
“I would encourage our customers to speak with us if they are having difficulties with their water bills, want to discuss their services, or just need a helping hand or some general advice.
“Through our Coliban Assist program, eligible customers can access support ranging from Utility Relief Grants, free financial counselling, and referrals to hardship programs,” he added.
“Our message to Harcourt is clear. We’re here to do whatever we can to help and are only a phone call away.”
You can call Coliban Water between 8am and 5pm weekdays on 1300 363 200 or visit www.connect.coliban.com.au/harcourt
Last updated on 25 Feb 2026