Media Release
Water bills to remain below Victorian average for 2023-24
29 June 2023
North East Water's prices will remain well below the average Victorian water bill in 2023-24 and in line with its commitment to customers in its 2018-26 price path approved by the Victorian Essential Services Commission.
Managing Director, Jo Murdoch, said North East Water was working hard to keep customer bills affordable and at the same time invest in critical water and sewerage infrastructure to service growing communities.
"We're investing a record $75 million in new and upgraded infrastructure in 2023-24 to improve services for our customers, reduce energy costs and impacts to the environment, be more climate resilient and provide greater water and waste water security to communities across the region," Ms Murdoch said.
"These investments include master planning for the future as well as upgrades to our waste water treatment facilities, water system upgrades, improvements to clear water storages and more.
"This is in addition to supplying high-quality drinking water and sewage services to around 115,000 customers across Victoria's north-east region," she said. "We also maintain and operate 21 water treatment faciltiies and 22 wastewater treatment plants, as well as thousands of kilometres of pipes and pumps stretching across a 20,000 square kilometre service region."
Ms Murdoch said while average bills for residential customers would increase by about $1.50 per week ($78 a year) from 1 July 2023, North East Water would continue to have one of the lowest average residential customer bills in regional Victoria in 2023-24.
"We're working hard to keep bills affordable and reduce costs while at the same time meet the critical needs of growth, climate change and extreme weather events, asset renewal and other significant challenges facing the north east," she said.
Ms Murdoch said for any customers experiencing financial difficulties paying their bill, North East Water had a dedicated support team ready to help.
"We have many easy-to-access programs and support services availabe that can ease the pressure and stress for customers. This includes help with concession card discounts, access to government relief and rebate schemes, payment extensions and payment plans, and referral to financial counselling."
You can find out more at www.newater.com.au/help or by calling 1300 361 622
***ENDS***