Bulk Water prices in Queensland will rise by less than 20 cents a week, after the Queensland Government accepted recommendations made by the Queensland Competition Authority.
Bulk water charges account for around one third of the average household water and sewerage bills, with the remainder comprised of costs set by the water service provider. The bulk water price is paid by Council-controlled water service providers across South-East Queensland.
Queensland Minister for Water Glenn Butcher said the price of bulk water will rise by an average of 2.14 per cent per year, over the next four years.
“This is well below Consumer Price Index and one of the smallest historical increases.
“We know cost of living is top of mind for Queenslanders, so it was important SEQ bulk water prices were kept at a rate that’s fair to consumers and as low as possible,” he said.
The QCA price increase equates to around an $11 per year increase to the average water bill – or just under 20 cents per week.
“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to ensuring south east Queenslanders have access to a safe and secure water supply, which Seqwater’s critical infrastructure provides.”
This essential infrastructure service provides safe and secure water supply for over 3 million SEQ households and businesses.
“As we saw during COVID-19, south east Queensland’s population is growing faster than that of other states. The approach recommended by the QCA ensures bulk water prices remain reasonable and that Seqwater can continue to invest in maintaining its assets and constructing new ones, to ensure the water needs of this growing region are met now and into the future.
“I am pleased that thanks to the recommendations of the QCA and the fact that our assets remain in public hands, we are able to keep bulk water prices at historically low levels.
“We will also continue to provide utility bill relief including through measures like the South East Queensland Pensioner Water Subsidy Scheme and the Pensioner Rate Subsidy Scheme,” Minister Butcher said.
“In addition, and consistent with our focus on keeping cost of living pressures to an absolute minimum, the Palaszczuk Government is delivering a $175 per year rebate on electricity bills to all Queensland households.”
The new prices will commence from 1 July 2022. Queensland water entities have existing measures in place to assist customers facing financial hardship.
