Five year Water Plan completed

Westernport Water today released its final Water Plan 3 document after submitting it to the economic regulator for review. The plan identifies key activities in relation to water and wastewater services for the 2013-2018 period.

Water Plan 3 outlines the Corporation’s proposed prices, changes to tariffs, introduction of Guaranteed Service Levels, investment in infrastructure and details of major capital projects planned for the five year period commencing 1 July 2013.

Managing Director, Murray Jackson said “Our proposed price increase of 3 per cent each year over the next five years is reflective of the works identified to further improve services and provide customers with value for money.

“Over the past eight months we’ve conducted information sessions, visited community groups and invited customers to take part in our customer feedback survey, all of which helped shape our draft Water Plan”.

“Following the release of the draft Water Plan in June 2012 we went back to the community seeking further feedback on our proposals. The results from the public consultation were collated and amendments were made.” commented Mr Jackson

Mr Jackson pointed out the final plan has been developed taking into consideration community opinion. “To make it easier for customers to understand the Water Plan and the components driving price increases we have developed fact sheets which are available on our website.”

The Essential Services Commission expects to asses all water plans by late January 2013 and conduct their own community consultation in the new year.

Indicative date for the Essential Services Commission’s final decision is May 2013 and approved Water Plan’s are scheduled to take effect from 1 July 2013.

“I would like to thank our customers for taking the time to participate in consultation and provide feedback, the community response has been wonderful,” said Mr Jackson.