Water | Essential Services Commission

Yarra Valley Water outcomes reporting

Sector

Westernport Water final decision

Date

Consultation closes 10 March 2023

Westernport Water price review 2023

We have completed our review of the maximum prices and service levels to apply for Westernport Water customers from 1 July 2023.

We conducted our assessment against a legal framework established by the Victorian Government and set out in the Water Industry Regulatory Order (PDF), and the commission’s PREMO pricing framework.

You can find out more on how we engaged on this review at Engage Victoria. You can also view our final decision media release .

View our final decision and price determination

23 June 2023

(pdf, 648.58 KB)

23 June 2023

Westernport price determination 2023

(pdf, 986.79 KB)

Key facts from our final decision

Typical water and sewerage bills will rise from 1 July 2023

Typical annual residential owner occupier water bills for 2023-24 will be $1,317 (including inflation), a 7.3 per cent increase from $1,227 in 2022-23.

Tariffs

Tariff structures will generally remain the same, but with some increase in variable water charges to provide customers with more bill control.

Over 2024 to 2028, Westernport Water proposes to keep its water and sewerage prices constant (before inflation).

Six outcome commitments

Westernport Water worked with its customers to develop outcomes, with accompanying measures and targets to track its performance each year.

Westernport Water’s outcome commitments to its customers are:

Provide me with high-quality drinking water
Reduce your environmental impact and adapt to climate change
Resolve sewer blockages quickly
Keep water interruptions to a minimum
Be there when I need you
Keep my essential services affordable.

Read our fact sheet on the final decision

23 June 2023

Fact sheet - Westernport Water

(pdf, 261.6 KB)

Consultation on our draft decision

We consulted on our draft decision between 20 December and 10 March 2023. All feedback received informed our decision making process.

We received three public submissions.
We held an online public forum on 16 February 2023 attended by 14 people, including members of the public, representatives from the water business and commission staff.
Westernport Water provided its response to our draft decision.

Topics of discussion during the forum included:

concerns around the impact of water extraction from the Bass River
question on the timing of a response to the Sustainable Water Strategy

The recording of this forum can be accessed below.

The public submissions received are available in the resources tab on this page.

16 February 2023

Westernport Water public forum slides

(pdf, 729.31 KB)

Find out more

Read about how we regulate the water sector or contact us for more information.

Related work

Westernport Water outcomes reporting

Sector

Wannon Water final decision

Date

Consultation closes 10 March 2023

Wannon Water price review 2023

We have completed our review of the maximum prices and service levels to apply for Wannon Water customers from 1 July 2023.

We conducted our assessment against a legal framework established by the Victorian Government and set out in the Water Industry Regulatory Order (PDF), and the commission’s PREMO pricing framework.

You can find out more on how we engaged on this review at Engage Victoria. You can also view our final decision media release.

View our final decision and price determination

23 June 2023

(pdf, 682.36 KB)

23 June 2023

Wannon Water price determination 2023

(pdf, 1015.19 KB)

Key facts

Typical water and sewerage bills will rise from 1 July 2023

Typical annual residential owner occupier water and sewerage bills for 2023-24 will be $1,193 (including inflation), a 7.9 per cent increase from $1,106 in 2022-23.

Tariffs

Wannon Water will reduce its fixed water service charges by 1.2 per cent per year (before inflation) and increase its water usage charge by 2.1 per cent per year (before inflation), for residential customers, to provide greater control over bills.

Six outcome commitments

Wannon Water worked with its customers to develop outcomes, with accompanying measures and targets to track its performance each year.

Wannon Water’s outcome commitments to its customers are:

Ongoing reliability of water and sewerage services
Ongoing protection of the environment through action and education, prioritising Country and our communities
Fair and reasonable bills for all
Improved water quality in identified communities
Improved customer experience of our products and services
Active partnerships for healthy and resilient communities.

Read our fact sheet on the final decision

23 June 2023

Fact sheet - Wannon Water

(pdf, 265.49 KB)

Consultation on our draft decision

We consulted on our draft decision between 6 April and 9 May 2023. All feedback received informs our decision making process.

We received two submissions.
We held an online public forum on 27 April 2023 attended by 29 members of the public and representatives from the water business and commission staff.
Wannon Water provided a response to our draft decision.

Topics of discussion during the forum included:

Wannon Water’s deep engagement on their pricing submission
the need for new customer contributions to be cost-reflective
the impact of the pricing submission on renters compared to home owners

The recording of this forum can be accessed below.

The public submissions received are available in the resources tab at this page.

27 April 2023

Wannon Water public forum slides

(pdf, 1.19 MB)

Find out more

Read about how we regulate the water sector or contact us for more information.

Related work

Wannon Water outcomes reporting

Sector

Southern Rural Water final decision

Date

Consultation closes 9 May 2023

Southern Rural Water price review 2023

We have completed our review of the maximum prices and service levels to apply for Southern Rural Water customers from 1 July 2023.

We conducted our assessment against a legal framework established by the Victorian Government and set out in the Water Industry Regulatory Order (PDF), and the commission’s PREMO pricing framework.

You can find out more on how we engaged on this review at Engage Victoria. You can also view our final decision media release.

View our final decision and price determination

23 June 2023

(PDF, 653.39 KB)

23 June 2023

Southern Rural Water price determination 2023

(pdf, 674.29 KB)

Key facts

Bills

Irrigation customers in the Werribee and Macalister irrigation districts could see bill increases of 8.1% and 8.6% respectively per year. Bulk entitlement holders will also see bill increases around 9 per cent.

All other customers will see increases capped at inflation.

Tariffs

Southern Rural Water is introducing application charges to address a shortfall between revenue and cost of applications. These charges will not be applied without knowledge and consent by customers.

Five outcome commitments

Southern Rural Water worked with its customers to develop five outcomes with measures and targets to track its performance. Southern Rural Water’s outcome commitments to its customers are:

Reliable water
Sustainable water
Great service
Value community member
Fair and reasonable prices.

Read our fact sheet on the final decision

23 June 2023

Fact sheet - Southern Rural Water

(pdf, 220.92 KB)

Consultation on our draft decision

We consulted on our draft decision between 6 April and 9 May 2023. All feedback received informed our decision making process.

We received two submissions.
We held an online public forum on 1 May 2023 attended by 30 people including members of the public, representatives from the water business and commission staff.
Southern Rural Water provided a response to our draft decision.

Topics of discussion during the forum included:

the need to address the impacts of climate change immediately
the effectiveness of the PREMO framework, particularly regarding engagement and climate change
environmental water allowances in Bacchus Marsh

The recording of this forum can be accessed below.

The public submissions received are available in the resources tab of this page.

1 May 2023

Southern Rural Water public forum slides

(pdf, 1008.72 KB)

Find out more

Read about how we regulate the water sector or contact us for more information.

Related work

Southern Rural Water outcomes reporting

Sector

South Gippsland Water final decision

Date

Consultation closes 9 May 2023

South Gippsland Water price review 2023

We have completed our review of the maximum prices and service levels to apply for South Gippsland Water customers from 1 July 2023.

We conducted our assessment against a legal framework established by the Victorian Government and set out in the Water Industry Regulatory Order (PDF), and the commission’s PREMO pricing framework.

You can find out more on how we engaged on this review at Engage Victoria. You can also view our final decision media release.

View our final decision and price determination

23 June 2023

(PDF, 638.01 KB)

FTI final report - review of new customer contribution related capital expenditure

(pdf, 788.68 KB)

23 June 2023

South Gippsland Water price determination 2023

(pdf, 962.62 KB)

Key Facts

Typical water and sewerage bills will rise from 1 July 2023

Typical annual residential owner occupier bills for 2023-24 will be $1,265 (including inflation), a 9.6 per cent increase from $1,154 in 2022-23.

Tariffs

South Gippsland Water’s water tariff structure between fixed and volumetric, will remain unchanged for the period between 2023–28.

Five outcome commitments

South Gippsland Water worked with its customers to develop outcomes, with accompanying measures and targets to track its performance each year.

South Gippsland Water’s outcome commitments to its customers are:

Reliability - plan for the future, be reliable and minimise unplanned interruptions to services
Water - provide safe, clean drinking water
Wastewater - safe wastewater service that contributes to the liveability of our communities
Environment - be environmentally sustainable and adapt to a future impacted by climate variability
Integrity - we will act with honesty, respect and strive to balance affordability, value-for-money and fairness.

Read our fact sheet on the final decision

23 June 2023

Fact sheet - South Gippsland Water

(pdf, 285.92 KB)

Consultation on our draft decision

We consulted on our draft decision between 30 March and 9 May 2023. All feedback received informed our decision making process.

We received three submissions.
We held a public forum on 28 April 2023 attended by 22 people online and 20 in person, including representatives from the water business and commission staff.
South Gippsland Water provided a response to our draft decision.

Topics of discussion during the forum included:

waste water into Venus Bay
water supplies and water pressure across different parts of the region
the performance of, and issues, with water treatment plants

The recording of this forum can be accessed below.

The public submissions received are available in the resources tab of this page.

28 April 2023

South Gippsland Water public forum slides

(pdf, 992.99 KB)

Find out more

Read about how we regulate the water sector or contact us for more information.

Related work

South Gippsland Water price review 2020

South Gippsland Water outcomes reporting

Sector

South East Water final decision

Date

Consultation closes 9 May 2023

South East Water price review 2023

We have completed our review of the maximum prices and service levels to apply for South East Water customers from 1 July 2023.

We conducted our assessment against a legal framework established by the Victorian Government and set out in the Water Industry Regulatory Order, and the commission’s PREMO pricing framework.

You can find out more on how we engaged on this review at Engage Victoria. You can also view our final decision media release.

View our final decision and price determination

23 June 2023

(PDF, 690.62 KB)

FTI final report - review of new customer contribution related capital expenditure

(pdf, 811.71 KB)

23 June 2023

South East Water price determination 2023

(pdf, 1.04 MB)

Key facts

Typical water and sewerage bills will rise from 1 July 2023

Typical annual residential owner occupier water and sewerage bills for 2023-24 will be $990 (including inflation), a 2.3 per cent increase from $967 in 2022-23.

Tariffs

Overall, prices will generally remain unchanged (before inflation) for the last four years.

South East Water has combined its residential sewage disposal charge and its residential variable water charge.

Five outcome commitments

South East Water worked with its customers to develop outcomes, with accompanying measures and targets to track its performance each year.

South East Water’s outcome commitments to its customers are:

Get the basics right, always
Warn me, inform me
Fair and affordable for all
Make my experience better
Support my community, protect our environment.

Read our fact sheet on the final decision

23 June 2023

Fact sheet - South East Water

(pdf, 268.92 KB)

Consultation on our draft decision

We consulted on our draft decision between 30 March and 9 May 2023. All feedback received informed our decision making process.

We received two submissions.
We held an online public forum on 2 May 2023 attended by 34 members of the public and representatives from the water business and commission staff.
South East Water provided a response to our draft decision.

Topics of discussion during the forum included:

the transition to digital meters
the need for new customer contributions to be cost-reflective
engagement on the proposed guaranteed service levels

The recording of this forum can be accessed below.

The public submissions received are available in the resources tab of this page.

2 May 2023

South East Water public forum slides

(pdf, 1.57 MB)

Find out more

Read about how we regulate the water sector or contact us for more information.

Related work

South East Water outcomes reporting

Sector

Lower Murray Water final decision

Date

Consultation closes 9 May 2023

Lower Murray Water price review 2023

We have completed our review of the maximum prices and service levels to apply for Lower Murray Water customers from 1 July 2023.

We conducted our assessment against a legal framework established by the Victorian Government and set out in the Water Industry Regulatory Order (PDF), and the commission’s PREMO pricing framework.

You can find out more on how we engaged on this review at Engage Victoria. You can also view our final decision media release .

View our final decision and price determination

23 June 2023

(PDF, 870.93 KB)

FTI final report - review of new customer contribution related capital expenditure

(pdf, 805.09 KB)

23 June 2023

Lower Murray Water price determination 2023

(pdf, 1.03 MB)

Key facts for urban customers

Typical urban water and sewerage bills will rise from 1 July 2023

Typical annual residential owner occupier water and sewerage bills for 2023-24 will be $1,096 (including inflation), 7.7 per cent increase from $1,018 in 2022-23.

Tariffs

There will be no changes to Lower Murray Water’s existing urban tariff structures.

Five outcome commitments

Lower Murray Water worked with its customers to develop outcomes, with accompanying measures and targets to track its performance each year.

Lower Murray Water’s outcome commitments to its customers are:

Provide customers value for money
Provide customers with reliable and safe drinking water
Provide customers with reliable sewerage services
Provide customer service avenues that are responsive to resolve requests/enquiries
Service our communities in a socially responsible and environmentally sustainable manner.

Key facts for rural customers

Prices

Under Lower Murray Water’s revised prices, generally prices will rise by less than inflation for most districts.

Tariffs

Irrigation tariff structures will remain unchanged.

Four outcome commitments

Lower Murray Water worked with its customers to develop four outcomes, with measures and targets to track its performance. Lower Murray Water’s outcome commitments to its customers are:

Provide customers with value for money
Provide customers with water when they need it
Provide customer service channels that are responsive to resolve requests and enquiries
Service our communities in a socially responsible and environmentally sustainable manner.

Read our fact sheets on the final decision

23 June 2023

Fact sheet - Lower Murray Water Urban

(pdf, 282.61 KB)

23 June 2023

Fact sheet - Lower Murray Water Rural

(pdf, 214 KB)

Consultation on our draft decision

We consulted on our draft decision between 30 March and 9 May 2023. All feedback received informed our decision making process.

We received two submissions.
We held a public forum on 2 April 2023 attended by 15 people online and 20 in person, including representatives from the water business and commission staff.
Lower Murray Valley Water provided a response to our draft decision.

Topics of discussion during the forum included:

the allocation of costs between urban and rural customers
the impact of inflation on prices
the impact of recent events on the pricing submission

The recording of this forum can be accessed below.

The public submissions received are available in the resources tab of this page.

20 April 2023

Public forum slides Lower Murray Water

(pdf, 2.5 MB)

Find out more

Read about how we regulate the water sector or contact us for more information.

Related work

Lower Murray Water outcomes reporting

Sector

GWMWater price determination 2023

Date

Consultation closes 9 May 2023

GWMWater price review 2023

We have completed our review of the maximum prices to apply for GWMWater customers from 1 July 2023.

We conducted our assessment against a legal framework established by the Victorian Government and set out in the Water Industry Regulatory Order (PDF), and the commission’s PREMO pricing framework.

You can find out more on how we engaged on this review at Engage Victoria. You can also view our final decision media release .

View our final decision and price determination

23 June 2023

GWMWater final decision

(PDF, 574.66 KB)

23 June 2023

(pdf, 1021.04 KB)

Key facts

Typical water and sewerage bills will decrease from 1 July 2023

Typical annual residential owner occupier water and sewerage bills for 2023-24 will be $1,396 (including inflation), a 0.5 per cent decrease from $1,404 in 2022-23.

Tariffs

GWMWater will reduce its urban water, sewerage and rural charges including bulk water charges in 2023-24. Bulk water charges will see a further decrease (before inflation) in 2024-25. Urban water and rural pipeline charges will see marginal increases (before inflation) in some subsequent years.

Five outcome commitments

GWMWater worked with its customers to develop outcomes, with accompanying measures and targets to track its performance each year.

GWMWater’s outcome commitments to its customers are:

safe drinking water
clean non-drinking water – urban
clean non-drinking water – rural pipeline
reliable and affordable services
healthy and liveable region.

Read our fact sheet on the final decision

23 June 2023

Fact sheet - GWMWater

(pdf, 267.13 KB)

Consultation on our draft decision

We consulted on our draft decision between 2 March and 28 April 2023. All feedback received informed our decision making process.

We received two public submissions.
We held an online public forum on 4 April 2023 attended by 15 people, including members of the public, representatives from the water business and commission staff.
GWM Water provided its response to our draft decision.

A topic of discussion during the forum included a permanent solution to water quality issues for a holiday park.

The recording of this forum can be accessed below.

The public submissions received are available in the resources tab at this page.

4 April 2023

GWMWater public forum slides

(pdf, 1.67 MB)

Find out more

Read about how we regulate the water sector or contact us for more information.

Related work

GWMWater outcomes reporting

Sector

Goulburn Valley Water final decision

Date

Consultation closes 28 April 2023

Goulburn Valley Water price review 2023

We have completed our review of the maximum prices to apply for Goulburn Valley Water customers from 1 July 2023.

We conducted our assessment against a legal framework established by the Victorian Government and set out in the Water Industry Regulatory Order (PDF), and the commission’s PREMO pricing framework.

You can find out more on how we engaged on this review at Engage Victoria. You can also view our final decision media release .

View our final decision and price determination

23 June 2023

(PDF, 684.29 KB)

FTI final report - review of new customer contribution related capital expenditure

(pdf, 797.06 KB)

23 June 2023

Goulburn Valley Water price determination 2023

(pdf, 1000.08 KB)

Key facts

Typical water and sewerage bills will rise from 1 July 2023

Typical annual residential owner occupier water and sewerage bills for 2023-24 will be $958 (including inflation), a 7.7 per cent increase from $890 in 2022-23.

Tariffs

Goulburn Valley Water retains its water and sewerage tariff structure. It will change its approach to calculating new customer contributions and developer charges and will introduce a new digital meter tariff.

Four outcome commitments

Goulburn Valley Water worked with its customers to develop outcomes, with accompanying measures and targets to track its performance each year.

Goulburn Valley Water’s outcome commitments to its customers are:

We will provide reliable water and wastewater services customers can trust
We will lead action and partner with our communities to grow the region
We will care for the environment and adapt to a future impacted by climate variability
We will deliver respectful and responsive customer service, balancing affordability, value for money and fairness.

Read our fact sheet on the final decision

23 June 2023

Fact sheet - Goulburn Valley Water

(pdf, 265.42 KB)

Consultation on our draft decision

We consulted on our draft decision between 12 April and 12 May 2023. All feedback received informed our decision making process.

We received five submissions including one confidential submission.
We held a public forum on 2 May 2023 attended by 22 people online and 12 in person including members of the public, representatives from the water business and commission staff.
Goulburn Valley Water provided its responses to our draft decision.

Topics of discussion during the forum included:

positive comments on GVW’s engagement from members of its deliberative forums
difference in inflation figure considered between the deliberative forum and the final presented
notifying local communities about the potential for unplanned outages due to the annual compliance testing of bushfire safety equipment
proposed rebate payment back to customers

The recording of this forum can be accessed below.

The public submissions received are available in the resources tab of this page.

2 May 2023

Goulburn Valley Water public forum slides

(pdf, 2.54 MB)

Find out more

Read about how we regulate the water sector or contact us for more information.

Goulburn Valley Water outcomes reporting

Sector