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No Increase In Water Bills For Five Years ProposedThe average residential customer with East Gippsland Water will see no real increase in their water bill for five years under a proposal put forward by the corporation. By East Gippsland Water - 22nd May 2012 - Back to News Prices will only adjust in line with inflation.
This is one of a number of proposals put forward by East Gippsland Water in its draft Water Plan for 2013-2018, Water Plan 3, which is now available for customer and stakeholder comment.
The Water Plan is essentially our business plan, setting out what we will do for customers over the five year period. Other highlights in the draft include:
giving customers more control over their bill by reducing the fixed charge of both water and wastewater components and increasing the water usage portion. This means customers who use less water will pay lower bills;
a proposal to spend around $9 million a year on essential major works - Such as progressing a major upgrade to Bairnsdale Wastewater Treatment Plant, upgrading the sewer networks in Bairnsdale and Lakes Entrance and renewing sections of ageing water pipeline across East Gippsland;
expenditure of around $17.5 million a year to maintain and operate water and wastewater infrastructure;
the introduction of Guaranteed Service Levels - This means customers who receive a significantly poor level of service in one of five key areas, will be compensated financially.
Said East Gippsland Water's Chairman, Gail Morley: "In the process of preparing this draft we have already received invaluable input from customers and stakeholders, which has influenced the direction we are now taking.
"At the end of the day we are committed to maintaining and further advancing the high standard and value for money of our services, which has made us one of the top performing water corporations in Victoria. This means ensuring that our customers continue to receive a consistent, reliable and high quality water supply well into the future, along with reliable and efficient wastewater services.
"We are now offering a further opportunity to be involved in developing our Water Plan for 2013-18 and want as many people as possible to comment on the draft as we move into the next stage."
Customers can visit the East Gippsland Water website www.egwater.vic.gov.au and click on the 'Water Plan 3' link to view the 30 page draft. Five fact sheets have also been prepared to explain areas of greatest interest and are on the same link. As always, copies can be obtained by calling our customer service team on 1800 671 841, or by visiting our office at 133 Macleod Street, Bairnsdale during business hours.
Comments should be emailed to waterplan3@egwater.vic.gov.au or posted to 'Water Plan 3', East Gippsland Water, PO Box 52, Bairnsdale, Vic, 3875. There is no need to write a long submission. Just write down what you think is important. The deadline for feedback is 31 July.
In addition, in June input sessions for the plan will be held at various locations across the region. There is no need to register. Customers can simply turn up at one of the venues listed below:
DATE
VENUE
TIME
20 June
Bairnsdale RSL Club **
10am-12pm
25 June
Mallacoota Mud Brick House
7-9pm
25 June
Orbost Depot
7-9pm
26 June
Lakes Entrance Mechanics Hall
7-9pm
26 June
Omeo Depot
7-9pm
This session will be held in conjunction with East Gippsland Water's Public Board Meeting
The final draft of Water Plan 3 will be submitted to the water industry's independent regulator, the Essential Services Commission (ESC), this coming October for authorisation, with the final, authorised plan coming into operation from 1 July 2013.
East Gippsland Water is owned by the State Government and delivers water and wastewater services to urban residential and business customers across East Gippsland.
All Victorian water corporations develop and implement water plans, which must be authorised by the ESC. The ESC also conducts its own consultation with the local community over the draft plans.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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Paynesville’s $13 million Slip Road Maritime Precinct officially opened, delivering improved waterfront access, jetties and boating facilities to boost tourism, local businesses, jobs and Gippsland Lakes recreation. - South Gippsland offers more than 40 free and low-cost activities during Victorian Seniors Festival month this October
South Gippsland will celebrate Victorian Seniors Festival month in October with more than 40 free and low-cost activities, including movement, sport, socialising, learning, arts, culture and creative events for seniors. - Seven Gippsland farmers markets to explore for fresh produce, local treats and delicious weekend breakfasts
Gippsland’s seven farmers markets offer fresh local produce, seafood, baked treats, artisan goods and coffee, making weekend mornings delicious opportunities to meet growers and discover regional flavours. - Martin Cameron and Melina Bath heard Gippsland builders’ concerns, pledge reforms to improve housing affordability and supply
Martin Cameron and Melina Bath met Gippsland builders to discuss housing affordability challenges, citing rising taxes, fees and planning delays. The Nationals and Liberals propose faster approvals, increased land supply and tax relief. - Morwell’s Gippsland Sports and Entertainment Park celebrates major $45M redevelopment and new regional sporting facilities
Morwell’s Gippsland Sports and Entertainment Park celebrates a $45 million redevelopment, featuring five playing surfaces, 1,200 seats, upgraded facilities and new event spaces. - Palm Lake Resort Paynesville welcomes 100th resident, boosting East Gippsland’s retirement living and local economic growth
Palm Lake Resort Paynesville has welcomed its 100th resident, highlighting growing demand for retirement living and investment supporting local businesses and economic activity across East Gippsland. - Martin Cameron renews call for PSOs at Morwell and Moe Stations, citing rising Gippsland public transport crime figures
Morwell MP Martin Cameron has renewed calls for PSOs at Morwell and Moe stations, citing a 49 percent increase in Gippsland public transport crime between 2021 and 2024. - RACV survey highlights Gippsland highways among Victoria’s most concerning roads, prompting renewed calls for improved safety
RACV’s 2026 survey ranks Gippsland highways among Victoria’s most concerning roads, citing potholes, poor surfaces and safety issues. Nationals MP Danny O’Brien has outlined a $5 billion regional roads commitment. - Tarwin River partnership launches six projects for catchment restoration and community stewardship across West Gippsland
West Gippsland CMA has launched Together for the Tarwin, funding six projects over 18 months to restore wetlands, waterways and habitats while strengthening community stewardship across the Tarwin catchment. - Darren Chester says Gippsland’s 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns and calls for tobacco excise reform
Gippsland MP Darren Chester says 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns, advocating an 80 percent tobacco excise cut alongside stronger enforcement to combat the black market. - Darren Chester says Gippsland’s 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns and calls for tobacco excise reform
Gippsland MP Darren Chester says 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns, advocating an 80 percent tobacco excise cut alongside stronger enforcement to combat the black market. - Darren Chester urges Gippsland men to prioritise prostate cancer checks and highlights specialist nursing support for regional patients
Gippsland MP Darren Chester is urging men to prioritise regular health checks and discuss prostate cancer risks with doctors, highlighting specialist nurses’ vital support for patients, families and regional communities. - Cycling Without Age Gippsland returns with free trishaw rides around Sale’s Lake Guthridge for community passengers and visitors
Cycling Without Age Gippsland has resumed free trishaw rides at Lake Guthridge, Sale, welcoming Central Gippsland Health passengers and 16 floral art convention visitors, while inviting bookings and new volunteers. - Bass Coast and South Gippsland businesses invited to connect, collaborate and network at upcoming Meet the Makers event in Meeniyan on 13 October 2026
Local producers, makers and hospitality businesses across Bass Coast and South Gippsland are invited to Meet the Makers in Meeniyan on October 13, offering networking, collaboration and showcasing opportunities. - Darren Chester joins Annabel Crabb for locally sourced Gippsland feast on ABC's Kitchen Cabinet series
Darren Chester will feature on ABC's Kitchen Cabinet with Annabel Crabb, showcasing Gippsland produce and locally sourced food when the episode airs August 25.
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