24 November 2021
Goulburn Valley Water has continued to adapt in an ever-changing environment to deliver essential services for customers, a report has outlined.
GVW’s Annual Report 2020-21 was tabled in Victorian Parliament earlier this month.
Managing Director Steve Capewell said despite challenges posed by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, GVW has continued to meet or exceed service and project targets which benefit customers.
“For the fourth year in a row, our customer bills have decreased on average by two per cent and we’re continuing to transform our business to position customer needs at the centre of everything we do,” Dr Capewell said.
In the past year, more than 9,800 intelligent meters were installed to help detect leaks and save money, while the $10m project to replace the 5ha cover on Shepparton’s largest wastewater treatment lagoon was completed, helping to capture biogas to transform it into electricity and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions – a key response under our commitment to Race to Zero net emissions within the next 30 years.
GVW also carried out more than $38m worth of works on 124 projects to boost the reliability of services for customers and optimise our processes and infrastructure.
Responding to a changing climate was also a key priority, with GVW’s first piece of recycled water infrastructure installed in Euroa in partnership with the council and community, with the purple standpipe designed to reduce pressure on climate-susceptible drinking water supplies.
“We’re planning to source all of our energy from renewable supplies by 2025 as part of our Race to Zero commitments, and we took the first step last year, installing 1.9Mw of solar panels across our region, with more to come this year,” Dr Capewell said.
Representative of the financial impact of the pandemic, GVW saw an increase in the number of people accessing payment support options, something that has continued in the current year.
“We’re committed to supporting customers who may be experiencing financial pressures, and we have a range of options to suit different needs - I encourage anyone to contact us on 1300 360 007 to discuss how we can help,” Dr Capewell said.
Planning is currently underway for the next five-year pricing submission, with in-depth customer and community engagement continuing this year after beginning last financial year.
“Underpinning our commitment to delivering quality water services is our desire to support liveability in our communities and help our region to prosper, and we’re working with our communities to plan for future growth and new opportunities in our region,” Dr Capewell said.
The Annual Report 2020-21 is available on GVW’s website at gvwater.vic.gov.au/about-us/corporate-information