Price changes strike balance between investment and affordability
Coliban Water has confirmed its prices for the upcoming financial year as it continues its $500 million program of capital investment to upgrade water and sewer infrastructure.
Managing Director Damian Wells said Coliban Water had a responsibility to prepare the region for the future by upgrading key assets while ensuring customers’ bills remained affordable.
“During the last financial year, we invested $80 million on capital projects. It is important we keep investing in our assets and networks to ensure we provide customers with the best services possible now and into the future,” he said.
“Population growth is continuing across our region, which means we must have the infrastructure in place to serve future generations.
“At the same time, we are facing an ongoing dry period in the region. Some of our investments will mean more efficient and reliable infrastructure that can withstand the changing climate.”
From Tuesday 1 July, Coliban Water will enter year three of its 2023-2028 pricing period.
“As outlined in our 2023-2028 Price Submission, customers will see prices increase in a phased approach. This pricing pathway has been approved by the Essential Services Commission (ESC),” Mr Wells said.
Most water and sewer prices will increase by an average of 4.5% this year. This figure consists of a price adjustment of 2.5% endorsed by the ESC, plus inflation.
For the average owner-occupier using 190 kilolitres of water each year, the average water bill will be $1,631.80, meaning bills will rise by an average of $69.65 a year or $1.34 a week.
Renters who only pay for usage, not water or sewer access charges, will pay an extra 38 cents each week with the average yearly bill to be $517.98 – up from $498.18.
Rural customers will see charges increase by 2.1% - less than inflation and last year’s increase of 2.3%.
Mr Wells said ensuring customer bills stay affordable was important in a time where many families are facing financial pressures.
“We need to keep our bill increases as small as possible to help protect vulnerable households but as a customer-funded business, these price changes are important to helping provide enough of a budget to complete critical infrastructure projects,” Mr Wells said.
“Our Coliban Assist program offers ways we can help customers manage their water bills; whether through bill smoothing, payment extensions, processing of Utility Relief Grants, discount for pension or concession card holders or support for people who have experienced violence in the home.
”Our Customer Support Team is trained to provide confidential advice, support, or referral to other services. I encourage you to speak with our team to discuss the options available to you.
Full details on the new 2025/26 fees and charges, as well as a list of works delivered in the 2024/25 financial year, are available on our website www.coliban.com.au