Water fees and charges continue to represent real value in draft budget for 2024-25

Apr 23, 2024

Residential bills would increase on average by just $15 a year in 2024-25 in Riverina Water’s draft budget.

The draft Operational Plan 2024/25 is currently on public exhibition and includes the small increase to fees and charges, along with a capital works program over the next four years which has been proposed at $66.7m. Of this total amount $21m is directed to the Solar Pilot Plant project, a key part of Riverina Water’s plan to reach net-zero emissions by 2030. 

Riverina Water Chairperson, Councillor Tim Koschel, said the proposed charges balance being fiscally responsible as an organisation with keeping water affordable for the community, business, and industry.

“We remain committed to providing our community with safe, reliable water at the lowest sustainable cost,” Cr Koschel said.

“Strong strategic planning and financial management has allowed us to keep our water charges as some of the lowest in the state. Our staff continue to work innovatively and efficiently so that we can help ease the financial pressures on our customers.

“We understand that the cost of living continues to be a major concern for people across all areas, and we are proud that our proposed price changes have been kept to a minimum, and that the increase is less than last year’s. The average customer bill will only rise by 29 cents per week.”

In 2024-25, Riverina Water will roll out $15.6M in capital works, including investing more than $5.4M in water mains, services, and meters and almost $4.7M in treatment plants, pumping stations and reservoirs. Works are set to begin on Riverina Water’s solar plant, with the plant set to reduce net emissions and save millions in electricity costs in the future.

The draft Operational Plan 2024-25 is on public exhibition until 22 May. To view the draft document and make a submission, visit rwcc.nsw.gov.au/haveyoursay.