Residents facing water price hike

Unitywater has released the price rises residents across the City of Moreton Bay will face from the start of next month.

The average residential Unitywater customer will pay an extra $1.52 per week, or around $19.75 on each quarterly bill from July 1.

Chief Executive Officer Anna Jackson said it was due to increases in the cost of materials and services and need to expand networks for a growing population.

“Every day our team find ways to work smarter and achieve efficiencies,” Ms Jackson said.

“But like all other businesses, the costs of essentials we need to operate and maintain our water and wastewater networks have increased, from fuel and energy to pipes, tools and waste disposal.

“Over the next five years we will invest $1.8 billion to maintain the high performance of our assets and to expand their reach to enable local population and economic growth.

“We operate across one of the fastest growing regions in Australia and can see this influencing our capital program with 70 per cent of projects this year being growth-related, up from an average of 30 per cent over the last three years.”

Unitywater bills cover the costs of operating, maintaining and growing water and wastewater networks and treatment plants.

They also cover Unitywater’s 24/7 response teams to service interruptions across its supply region, which stretches from Everton Hills to Eumundi.

Bills include State Government bulk water charges, which support catchment management, upgrades to water storage dams and treating bulk water to make it safe to drink.

“For those in our community who need help to manage their bill, we have a range of customer support options available,” said Ms Jackson.

“Anyone’s circumstances can change and even if you just need short-term help, please feel comfortable to reach out to us as soon as possible.”

Unitywater has support options for customers, including seven-day extensions, smoothed payments and payment plans. Phone 1300 086 489 or visit www.unitywater.com/support.

Full details of Unitywater’s 2024-25 water and sewerage pricing, as well as fees and charges for other services are available at www.unitywater.com/pricing.