Westernport Water Annual Report states our water is secure

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Doubling the capacity of Candowie Reservoir, Westernport Water’s sole water storage was the main undertaking identified in the Corporations 2013 Annual Report.

Doubling the capacity of Candowie Reservoir, Westernport Water’s sole water storage was the main undertaking identified in the Corporations 2013 Annual Report.

 

Reporting revenue of $20.6 million and total business expenditure of $19.4 million, Managing Director Murray Jackson highlighted the fact that $9.2 million of the total expenditure was invested in key projects to secure water for a liveable and productive future.

 

Announcing the release of the Annual Report today, Mr Jackson attributed the favourable $1.2 million result to good governance and continued growth in residential developments.

 

“Profits are necessary for future development of water and wastewater infrastructure. Retained earnings effectively pay for future improvements to our system and ultimately our products and services.

 

“This year’s annual report highlights to customers, Westernport Water’s ability to continually improve its services, water quality and sustainably manage the region’s available water sources to cater for customers water needs,” said Mr Jackson.

 

Performance highlights in the 2013 Annual Report tabled in the Victorian Parliament on Thursday 19 September were:

 

  • The delivery of the Candowie Reservoir water storage project on time and budget nearly doubling the reservoirs capacity from 2263ML to 4463ML. This project was identified as the main project in the Corporations Water Supply Demand Strategy which enables Westernport Water to balance supply and demand to ensure the lowest practical cost to its customers.

 

  • The official opening of the Class A recycled water treatment plant on Phillip Island in September 2012. The new facility supplies recycled water to both residential and commercial customers through a dual pipe system, reducing demand on drinking water supplies.

 

  • Water quality improvements were recognised and achieved by reducing chlorine taste and odour. The completion of the switch to chloramination as a treatment method was acknowledged and 2013 was reported as the Corporations best ever year, with complaints reducing by 54 per cent.

 

  • Continued development and integration of asset management systems and mobile technology has resulted in a range of business efficiencies, better equipping operational teams to respond to system demands and customer requests.

 

  • Engaging with customers and providing assistance through programs aimed at changing behaviour and encouraging sensible water use were acknowledged. The corporation reporting small businesses received $35,460 of $80,000 thanks to a grant program aimed at improving business water efficiency.

 

  • The Corporation announced its successful application to the Office of Living Victoria, receiving funding support to develop a whole-of-water-cycle management plan for San Remo. Funding of $210,000 will assist tailor a plan to local conditions to deliver greater economic and environmental benefits and ensuring the region is better placed to deal with the increasing demand for water and wastewater services.

 

According to Mr Jackson, delivering quality services remains one of Westernport Water’s priorities. Over the next five years, known as Water Plan 3 the Corporation will focus on upgrades to the sewerage treatment plant and wastewater system to meet the requirements of the areas fast growth communities.

 

Click here to download a pdf copy of Westernport Water’s Annual Report for 2013, or contact Customer Service on1300 720 711.

 

Media only contact: Geoff Russell Communications and Media Manager (03)5956 4140.