2 August
A new draft plan will see Goulburn Valley Water balance investment in the region and sustainable services with affordability, and customers are encouraged to have their say on the 2023-28 Pricing Submission.
Every five years GVW develops a pricing submission, which sets out proposed prices, services and projects.
Managing Director Steve Capewell said GVW had developed a plan that balances fairness, affordability and planning for the challenges of the future.
“We know our climate is changing and more people are living regionally, so we must prepare for a future where we can provide services that meet our customers’ needs,” Dr Capewell said.
“We want to invest in our infrastructure so we can keep delivering the services that customers trust sustainably, as well as leading projects that improve the health and prosperity of our region.”
Dr Capewell said based on customer feedback, the plan had been developed to give customers what they want at the lowest possible price.
“Customers have told us they want us to keep bills affordable, but they also support us investing to maintain and improve infrastructure, as well as meeting our net zero carbon emissions target by 2035,” Dr Capewell said.
“We know that financial pressures can affect any one at any time, so we’re investing more to support customers who may have trouble paying their water bill and encourage people to speak to us to see how we can help.”
Highlights of the plan include:
- Boosting our capital expenditure program by an additional $74 million to $245 million to invest in assets and infrastructure to cater for population growth and climate impacts
- Investing $4 million in supporting and leading projects to support regional growth and prosperity
- An additional $3 million over the plan to reach our net zero emissions goals through locally beneficial carbon emissions reduction projects
- $2 million in additional funding for programs to support customers who have trouble paying their bill.
Customers will see a slight incremental increase on prices over the next five years, but GVW will remain one of the lowest priced water corporations in Australia.
Dr Capewell said the draft plan was the culmination of more than two years’ work, including engaging with more than 2,300 customers through focus groups, surveys and interviews.
“We wanted our submission to genuinely reflect what customers have told us is important so we’ve continued to engage to make sure our plan meets their needs,” he said.
“Our plan has been shaped by a significant contribution from our customers, including our representative customer panel, and I’d like to thank everyone who has taken the time to share their thoughts.
“I encourage you to read our draft plan and provide feedback.”
Community feedback on our pricing submission is open until midnight on Sunday, August 14.
Feedback will be taken on board in developing the final plan to be presented to independent regulator the Essential Services Commission in September.
For more information and to have your say, visit our Think Beyond Water site.