Increase the volumetric water rate by a higher proportion than the annual fixed rate

Impact on rates

The metered water rate will increase by 20% each year for the first two years. The rate will increase from $0.50 per cubic metre to $0.72 per cubic metre (m3 ) from July 2022. This is a 44% increase over two years. Over the same period, the fixed base rate will increase from $254 to $280 a year. This is a 10% increase over two years. The rate per water unit for restricted supplies in rural areas will also increase by 10%, from $183 to $202 over two years. The rate of increase will be larger for high-volume water users than for lower-volume users. This gives ratepayers more control over their water rates bill, as emphasis is put on the volume of water used. This is shown below for residential users on metered supplies1 and rural properties on restricted supplies:

Impact on debt

No impact

Option 1 encourages better water management, as water users pay for water supply on the basis of what they use. We think this is a fairer and more environmentally responsible option. This also gives ratepayers more control over their water rates bill – those that use less, pay less.