Fifteen thousand Coliban Water customers will receive an invitation in the mail this week asking them to consider getting involved in the region’s Water Pricing and Services Plan for the period 2023-2028. From this invitation, a deliberative panel will be formed to help guide the process.
Managing Director Damian Wells said participants in the panel will help shape the future of water services for their community as we face critical challenges in our region.
“Customers who receive the invite should consider whether they want to play a central role in how our business adapts to climate change and what our future water security and wastewater service looks like. If the answer is yes, we definitely want them to nominate their interest,” said Mr Wells.
“The independent Essential Services Commission reviews our levels of pricing, service and investment every five years.
“We need to demonstrate that our prices and investment are prudent and meet our business requirements, and are good value for customers and the community. To do that, we want to hear from our customers.” said Mr Wells.
“Forty-five people will be selected to join the panel, and they will be asked to consider an important question: How does Coliban Water prepare for tomorrow while being fair to customers today?
“We know our region is growing and getting hotter, and we need to prepare for this changing future now. The panel members will be a voice of their region, helping us decide how to balance these priorities and set water prices for the next five years,” said Mr Wells.
Over the next month, 15,000 randomly selected customers will receive an invite in the mail and can nominate themselves to be a part of the deliberative panel.
“Next year panellists will meet over five Saturdays in person and online to gather information and provide feedback and recommendations on what is important to the community.
“Facilitated by independent community engagement specialists Mosaic Lab, we want people to be open and transparent, and reflective of the communities they live in,” said Mr Wells.
But it’s not just during the Pricing Submission that the organisation wants to hear from customers. Their online platform, Connect Coliban, provides an opportunity to further connect with communities and broaden discussions within an easy-to-use online environment.
“Earlier this year we launched our online engagement tool Connect Coliban as a way to interact with our communities. It’s a place to share ideas, ask questions, provide feedback and contribute to plans for our region’s water future.
“It’s a way we can really listen to community members and better understand their needs and values.
“For those who are invited to participate in the deliberative panel, we genuinely encourage you to consider the value that you will bring to the discussion. If you’re not one of the panellists, we still want to hear from you. You can join in the conversation with us at Connect Coliban, call us on 1300 363 200, or email coliban@coliban.com.au ,” said Mr Wells.
For more information about our Pricing Submission, visit connect.coliban.com.au