Community Reps Approve Water Targets

2 April 2007

Sixteen Goulburn Valley Water customers met in Shepparton recently to discuss standards for water and sewerage services across the region.

Representing the Authority’s 118,000 customers – covering an area from Cobram to Marysville, and Colbinabbin to Merrijig - the group discussed performance targets for Goulburn Valley Water’s 2008 to 2013 Water Plan.

Director – Corporate Services, Peter Quinn said each Victorian water authority must produce a five-year Plan for approval by the Essential Services Commission (ESC), the economic regulator for water, electricity and gas providers.

“We have to submit our plan to the ESC outlining what levels of service we will provide to customers, and the tariff revenue that’s needed to meet those targets.

“That means looking at 54 different service indicators such as how many water main bursts occur in the year, how many minutes people are out of water, or how many sewer blockages are acceptable.

“Our Community Reference Committee is helping us by looking at our past performance, our ranking in the state, and what they consider is acceptable in the context of affordability of services for all customers.”

So far, the Committee has agreed on proposed targets for service levels, and the highest priorities including water pressure, adequate supplies and an effective sewerage system.

The Committee meets again in the middle of April to discuss capital works required to meet the agreed performance targets, tariffs and guaranteed service levels.

Peter Quinn said customers interested in having some input into the process should contact their local Community representative.

“We’re really keen to hear our customers’ views on the service levels we should be providing, and this is one way they can get involved and have a say.”

The Community representatives across the region include: Kevin Winch (Mooroopna), Marion Riley (Rushworth), Gay Wright (Shepparton), Terry Court (Tatura), Philip Meagher (Numurkah), Trevor Noonan (Koonoomoo), Maurice Pawsey (Alexandra), Steve Behlen (Eildon), Tony Yates (Mansfield), Bruce Ackerman (Marysville), Frank Nagle (Euroa), Sue Marstaellers (Heathcote Junction) Philip Clancy (Kilmore), Margaret Moss (Nagambie), Graeme Coppel (Seymour), Max Cox (Longwood) Cheryl Parker (Nathalia), Bernadette Franklin (Mansfield), Robert Chaffe (Alexandra).  Alternatively email your ideas to waterplan2008@gvwater.vic.gov.au

Authorised By L.J. Gleeson 104-110 Fryers Street Shepparton