In 2022 the Deliberative panel played a key role in identifying three focus areas for future investment - asking us to develop projects aligned to assisting customers who need our help, providiung regional leadership and introducing carbon abatement initiatives.

Of those our regulator, the Essential Services Commission, gave funding approval to develop five projects under the customer who need our help banner. CAP members were then given the opportunity to rate our actions in this space, with 75 per cent agreeing that our actions reflected what the deliverative panel had asked for in this space.

They were then asked to prioritise seven projects aligned to regional leadership area and four with a carbon abatment focus.

On regional leadership five projects worth $3.38 million, of a maximum $4 million in addition to the revenue requirement, were assessed as being aligned with the recommendations of the deliberative panel.

On carbon abatement, four projects were put to the CAP. One, worth $805,000, was assessed as being aligned. Three, worth $3.48 million, were assessed as not being sufficiently aligned. This was from a total possible revenue requirement increase of $3 million.

Seventy five per cent of CAP members agreed that GVW’s actions reflect what the deliberative forum asked for, in regard to supporting customers who need help.Here are some of the CAP refelections on the four promises of Price Plan 2023-28:

Uujwal Rijwal (Shepparton): "My major take-away from the CAP was the value GVW places on customer service and feedback. I was impressed by the transparency and the dedication to customer service. The CAP has allowed me to meet people from different parts of the region and from different backgrounds, but with a shared passion for service delivery. I feel like I was able to build a base of knowledge which will alllow me to contribute further in next few years. I want to be part of GVW continuing to play an important role in this region. It is about the future."

Georgie Deyell (Sawmill Settlement): "I found out that GVW is highly in tune with its customers and regularly seeks feedback to collect information on which it can plan and act. I was surprised by the amount of impact customers can have. I used to work in the water industry and I don't believe there was anything like this three decades ago.

"I heard more than I expected and some difficult discussions were had with GVW staff. I felt like I was listened to and could contribute my ideas. I loved it am really looking forward to taking the next steps.

"I am really pleased I signed up for this."