1 July 2024
Goulburn Valley Water’s prices will rise slightly and in line with inflation this year, in an effort to keep bills affordable but also undertake critical investment in infrastructure and services.
GVW prices will rise 4.2 per cent including inflation, in line with the price path set in Goulburn Valley Water’s Price Plan 2023-28, which was designed around small rises to keep bills predictable for customers.
This means an average residential bill for an owner-occupier will cost about $998 annually compared to $958 in 2023-24, an increase of $40.
New prices come into effect from Monday, 1 July.
GVW Managing Director Steve Capewell said the organisation had worked hard to create a balance between delivering efficiencies and fair prices, while also investing in projects that will create benefits for customers and the region.
“We know our population is growing and we are seeing a continually changing climate - this is already translating into how we need to adapt to deliver our services, especially with the significant impacts to raw water quality we experienced in the January 2024 floods,” Dr Capewell said.
“Our five-year plan will see us invest in our future service delivery by building or upsizing water and wastewater treatment plants and infrastructure in many of our high-growth regions, like Kilmore, Broadford, Mansfield and Shepparton.
“A small increase on bills now to fund some of our critical upgrades will have significant long-term benefits and is a key part in ensuring we can continue to deliver reliable services.”
Two major infrastructure projects – the new 4.4km recycled water pipeline in Kilmore to the Kilmore Racing Club and the new 250ML winter storage lagoon at Mansfield – are now nearing completion, with significant planning work also in progress to deliver on several major projects set to begin in the next year.
“We’re also looking at projects that will see us deliver on our commitment to reaching net zero emissions by 2035, and by sourcing all our energy from renewable sources by mid-2025,” Dr Capewell said.
Prices have been agreed upon during extensive consultation with customers and GVW’s independent regulator, the Essential Services Commission.
Dr Capewell said as part of Price Plan 2023-28, Goulburn Valley Water has also invested an additional $2 million into supporting customers.
“We know people are still feeling the impacts of cost of living, and some might be finding themselves in this position for the first time,” he said.
“Our team is ready to help, and we can work with you to find a solution that suits your needs and helps take the pressure off.”
Customers can find more information on support options and self-serve at gvwater.vic.gov.au/support or by calling 1300 360 007.
A full list of tariffs are available on GVW’s website.